Strong support for social media ban for Singaporeans aged 15 or younger

Singapore has long held strong ambitions to become the pre-eminent smart nation globallyⁱ. While digitalisation can drive rapid economic growth and social connectedness, recent research has suggested potential adverse effects.

Platforms such as social media have been shown to have a relationship with depression and anxietyⁱⁱ, and the rise of mobile work - for example, out-of-hours email and messaging - has been linked to decrease in wellbeingⁱⁱⁱ.

To better understand Singaporeans' perceptions regarding potential policy options, Verian ran a nationally representative online survey among 1,020 Singaporean residents.

Key findings:

• Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Singaporeans support a minimum age of 16 years for use of social media platforms.
• Sixty-seven percent (67%) support a right to disconnect from work.
• More than half (58%) support a mandatory ban on smartphones in primary and secondary schools.

Figure 1: Support and opposition for 'A minimum age of 16 years and older for use of social media platforms', 'A right to disconnect from work', and 'A mandatory ban on smartphones in primary and secondary schools'.

Further findings from this survey follow. 

Support for a social media ban for teenagers

Countries such as Australia have implemented minimum age limits for social media over the past year, and the Singapore Government has recently indicated an interest in these safeguarding efforts^iv.

Singaporeans are highly supportive of such policies. When asked if they would support or oppose a policy enforcing a minimum age of 16 years for use of social media, 68% indicated their support. Rates of opposition are significantly higher among those aged 16-24 (18% 'oppose').

Table 1: Support and opposition for ‘A minimum age of 16 years and older for use of social media platforms' by age.

Right to disconnect

When asked the degree to which they support or oppose a right to disconnect from work, more than two thirds of Singaporeans indicated their support (67%). Those aged 55 or more years are significantly less likely to support such an initiative (61%).

Table 2: Support and opposition for ‘A right to disconnect from work' by age.

Smartphone bans in primary and secondary schools

In 2023, the United Nations advocated for a global ban on the use of smartphones in schools and many educational institutions have taken steps in this direction, More than half (58%) of all Singaporeans support a ban on smartphones in primary and secondary schools. Support is significantly higher among those with children (64%).

Table 3: Support and opposition for ‘A mandatory ban on smartphones in primary and secondary schools' by children.

Commenting on results of the survey, Robert McPhedran, Managing Director of Verian Singapore said:

"Singaporeans clearly support key digital safeguarding initiatives implemented by governments globally. Policies such as a minimum-age requirement for social media and a ban on smartphones in schools are viewed with near-universal positivity. The results of this study indicate that while Singaporeans apperciate the myriad benefits associated with technology, they are also keenly aware of its risks.

Although it is important that Singapore maintains its aspirations as one of the most digitally forward countries, there is a fine balance to be struck between embracing innovation and maintaining sufficient guardrails to protect society's most vulnerable."

About the study

• The study was conducted online between 6^th June 2025 and 15^th June 2025, with a sample of n=1,020 Singaporean residents.
• Quotas on age, gender and ethnicity were enforced to ensure that the sample's composition resembles the population distribution, based on Singapore Department of Statistics population estimates. Weighting was used to correct for any discrepancies between the achieved sample and the quota targets.
• Rates of support represent the proportion who 'slightly supported', 'supported' or 'strongly supported' the policy options in the following policies:
  • 'A minimum age of 16 years and older for use of social media platforms (For example, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X).'
  • 'A right to disconnect from work. That is, a right to refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact outside working hours, unless doing so is unreasonable.'
  • 'A mandatory ban on smartphones in primary and secondary schools.'
• Green figures and arrows represent proportions that are significantly higher than those for the rest of the population at 95% confidence. Red figures and arrows represent proportions that are significantly lower than those for the rest of the population at 95% confidence.
• There may be differences between rates of support and constituents due to rounding errors. Similarly, totals may not sum to 100% due to rounding errors.

For further information on any of the data and findings from the report, please contact robert.mcphedran@veriangroup.com or pressenquiries@veriangroup.com. 

References:

1. Smart Nation Singapore. (2014). The Smart Nation Vision. https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/vision
2. Cunningham, S., Hudson, C. C., & Harkness, K. (2021). Social media and depression symptoms: a meta-analysis. Research on child and adolescent psychopathology, 49(2), 241-253.
3. Tedone, A. M. (2022). Keeping up with work email after hours and employee wellbeing: examining relationships during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Occupational Health Science, 6(1), 51-72.
4. MDDI’s response to PQs on Social Media Platforms to Ensure Age Appropriate Use for Young Children. (2025). Ministry of Digital Development and Information. https://www.mddi.gov.sg/newsroom/pqs-on-social-media-platforms-ensure-age-appropriate-use-young-children