Singapore expert panel recommends targeting harmful social media features instead of imposing age bans

The panel noted research findings that show that excessive or problematic social media use can result in issues like anxiety, depression, lower life satisfaction and well-being, body image concerns and problematic eating behaviours.

“Problematic social media use and poor mental health may be mutually reinforcing, with each worsening over time,” it said.

Young people experiencing anxiety or depression may turn to social media for comfort or connection.

Instead, problematic social media use may deepen over time and displace healthier forms of support and regulation, creating a vicious cycle.

“Heavy social media use can also disrupt sleep, affecting emotional regulation and mental health,” the panel said.

“Beyond clinical symptoms, problematic social media use has been consistently associated with lower life satisfaction and lower levels of mental well-being, with the negative effects on life satisfaction found to be strongest during early adolescence.”

Frequent exposure to the idealised portrayals of lifestyles and appearances that are common on social media may encourage comparison, contributing to body image concerns, depressive symptoms and problematic eating behaviours among some young users.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Besides targeting harmful platform features, the panel recommended strengthening age assurance measures to more accurately identify users’ ages.

The government should also empower young people to navigate the online environment in safe and healthy ways, and support their parents in guiding them to do so, said the panel.

The panel further recommended a whole-of-society approach involving families, schools, healthcare providers, community partners, platform operators and the government to better safeguard young people’s well-being online.

MOH said the panel’s findings and recommendations would help inform ongoing efforts to strengthen support for young people’s mental health and promote safer digital experiences for young people.