Brunei’s Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the national Child Development Center (CDC), has issued new guideline recommendations that children under 2 years of age should not be exposed to direct “screentime.” The CDC cites that over the past 13 years, reports of developmental issues among infants and toddlers have doubled with increased TV and smart device usage. With a national birthrate of 6,300 per year, MoH claims 16% of these children are eventually referred to the CDC for speech delay, cognitive disorders, or related conditions.
With the rapid proliferation and competition of both Chinese and American produced smart devices across the country, Bruneians across all ages and demographics are accustomed to screens and fast-paced data consumption in everyday life. As MoH claims many parents are also “addicted” to their screens, further studies on the impact of these new guidelines will be implemented. In the meantime, global US industry leaders in telecommunications, social media, and technology would do well to acknowledge the MoH’s recommendations and adjust/specify their target audience in the Bruneian market.
Unlike China or some of its neighboring countries, Brunei does not impose social media restrictions for teenagers and young children. In general, explicit or controversial content, hate speech, defamation, or criticism of the monarchy could have legal or social consequences under the Sedition Act and the Computer Misuse Act, which govern online activities.
