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Ministry of Health
Parliamentary QA

IMPACT OF SMARTPHONE USE ON SENIORS

4 November 2026

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1493

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 4 NOVEMBER 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Joan Pereira

MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC

Question No. 3277

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether the Ministry of Health will consider (i) tracking the prevalence of problematic smartphone use among residents aged 65 and above and its association with loneliness, sleep problems and mental-health conditions and (ii) assessing whether current digital-literacy and active-ageing programmes adequately promote healthy screen habits among senior citizens.

Answer

        Sir, anecdotally, more seniors are hooked on their smartphones, with many watching AI-generated micro-dramas. We see them when we go to our coffeeshops and constituencies. Seniors, uncle, aunties on their phones scrolling through all the AI content, AI-generated content on their phones. So anecdotally, we do see more seniors using the smartphones, and this takes away time that seniors spend on socialising and exercising which are important for their health and wellbeing. In MDDI’s earlier reply in October 2026, in this house, 49% of seniors aged 60 and above reported spending an average of one to two hours daily on leisure activities on their devices. A further 38% of seniors reported spending three to five hours daily. This is significant.

2       Local studies have linked problematic smartphone use to poor mental health outcomes, including depressive symptoms, anxiety and sleep problems. However, these studies have largely focused on younger and middle-aged adults, and their findings may not be generalisable to seniors aged 65 and above.

3       The Government’s approach is to help seniors use digital technology confidently and safely, while encouraging them to maintain active and socially connected lifestyles. Through digital literacy initiatives such as Infocomm Media Development Authority’s Seniors Go Digital programme, seniors are equipped with skills to navigate the digital environment. Under Age Well SG, Active Ageing Centres also offer opportunities for seniors to participate in physical, social and other meaningful activities, reducing the risk of social isolation. The Government will continue to monitor emerging research and consider whether further studies are warranted.