Singapore's youth struggle with device addiction and seek professional help

[SINGAPORE] In recent years, Singapore has witnessed a troubling trend: an increasing number of children and teenagers are becoming hooked on their digital devices, leading to a surge in addiction cases and related behavioral issues. This growing dependency on technology has raised alarm bells among mental health professionals, who are now grappling with the long-term consequences of excessive device use on the younger generation's well-being.

The statistics paint a concerning picture of the digital addiction crisis in Singapore. Touch Community Services, a prominent counseling organization, reported a staggering 58% increase in digital addiction cases from 2019 to 2022. In 2022 alone, they handled 111 cases of youth struggling with excessive use of digital devices, up from 70 cases in 2019.

We Care Community Services, an addiction recovery center, has also seen a significant rise in gaming addiction referrals. Since the pandemic, there has been more than a 20% increase in such cases compared to pre-Covid levels.

Dr. Melvyn Zhang, a consultant at the Institute of Mental Health's (IMH) National Addictions Management Service, emphasizes the growing concern: "As technology becomes more embedded in daily life, concerns about the potential impact on mental health and well-being are growing".

The Spectrum of Digital Addiction

Digital addiction among Singapore's youth manifests in various forms:

Social Media Overuse: Excessive time spent on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter)

Gaming Addiction: Countless hours devoted to online and mobile games

Internet Addiction: Compulsive web browsing and online activities

Smartphone Dependency: Inability to function without constant access to mobile devices

These addictive behaviors are not just isolated incidents but are becoming increasingly prevalent among children and teenagers across the city-state.

The Impact on Mental Health and Well-being

The consequences of digital addiction on youth mental health are profound and far-reaching. Research conducted by IMH reveals that nearly half of Singaporean youth aged 15 to 21 exhibit signs of "problematic smartphone use". This includes symptoms such as:

• Anxiety when separated from devices
• Physical discomfort from prolonged usage
• Difficulty concentrating in school or work
• Neglect of other priorities and responsibilities

More alarmingly, young people struggling with excessive device use are significantly more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The IMH study found that affected individuals were at least three times more likely than those without problematic smartphone use to have symptoms of moderate or severe depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

The Social Media Trap and Cyberbullying

Social media platforms, while offering connectivity and entertainment, have become a double-edged sword for many young users. A study by IMH highlighted that more than one in four young people in Singapore reported using social media excessively – more than three hours a day.

This excessive use correlates with increased exposure to cyberbullying, a growing concern in the digital landscape. The study found that around one in five young people had experienced cyberbullying through mean, aggressive, or rude messages online. Those who faced such bullying were about twice as likely to have severe or extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.

A 17-year-old polytechnic student shared her harrowing experience: "I started getting hostile messages, with people cursing me and posting pictures of me online. The insults were constant, and it really affected my self-esteem. I began questioning my appearance and whether the things they said about me were true".

The Role of Parents and Educators

As the digital addiction crisis unfolds, parents and educators play a crucial role in guiding young people towards healthier digital habits. Experts emphasize the importance of role-modeling and setting boundaries at home.

Tham Yuen Han, clinical director at We Care Community Services, suggests: "We need to teach children how to manage their screen time and use devices responsibly. By taking an active role, parents can help create a healthy digital environment for their children".

Some strategies recommended by experts include:

• Assessing children's emotional maturity before introducing digital platforms
• Establishing "no phone" zones at home
• Avoiding device use during family meals and conversations
• Setting clear limits on screen time
• Encouraging alternative activities and hobbies

Seeking Help and Support

Recognizing the severity of the issue, more parents and schools are reaching out for professional help. Andrea Chan, deputy director of Touch Mental Wellness, notes an increase in inquiries from parents seeking guidance on managing children who show signs of device attachment.

Various organizations and initiatives are stepping up to address this growing need:

Touch Community Services: Offers counseling intervention programs for young people struggling with excessive device use.

We Care Community Services: Provides support and treatment for gaming addictions.

Institute of Mental Health (IMH): Offers specialized services for digital addiction issues through its National Addictions Management Service.

CHAT: A national youth mental health outreach and assessment service for young people aged 16 to 30.

Government Initiatives and Public Awareness

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Singapore government has launched several initiatives to combat digital addiction and promote mental health among youth:

National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy: Launched in October 2023, this strategy adopts a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society" approach to improve Singapore's mental health ecosystem.

Mental Health Education: Schools have incorporated lessons on mental health into the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum, providing students with knowledge and skills to regulate emotions and seek help when needed.

Resources for Parents: The government is rolling out resources to empower parents with skills to build strong parent-child relationships, strengthen children's mental well-being, and support their digital journeys.

Community Support: Enhancing community-based support systems to enable individuals with mental health needs to seek early support without stigma.

The Way Forward: Balancing Technology and Well-being

As Singapore grapples with the rising tide of digital addiction among its youth, a multi-faceted approach is crucial. This includes:

Education and Awareness: Continuing to educate both young people and parents about the risks of excessive device use and the importance of digital wellness.

Skill Development: Equipping youth with the skills to manage their online behavior and build resilience against digital pressures.

Support Systems: Strengthening mental health support systems and making them more accessible to young people.

Research and Innovation: Investing in ongoing research to understand the evolving nature of digital addiction and develop effective interventions.

Policy Measures: Implementing policies that promote responsible technology use and protect young users from online harm.

As Dr. Zhang from IMH notes, "The more embedded technology becomes in our daily routines, the greater the potential impact on mental well-being". It's clear that addressing this issue requires a collective effort from parents, educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers.

By fostering a balanced approach to technology use and prioritizing mental health, Singapore can work towards ensuring that its youth can harness the benefits of the digital world while safeguarding their well-being. The journey to digital wellness is ongoing, but with awareness, support, and proactive measures, Singapore's young generation can navigate the digital landscape more safely and responsibly.