Terry KS SINGAPORE, 7 JULY 2026 – StarHub has launched The Power of Pause, the next chapter of its Digital Wellbeing initiative, following a national study revealing widespread reliance on screens for emotional coping among people in Singapore.
The study, conducted by StarHub and YouGov among 1,036 respondents in April 2026, found that seven in ten people in Singapore use screens to cope with everyday pressures, while more than 80% reported feeling mentally drained by prolonged screen time.
Building on last year’s focus on excessive screen time, this year’s initiative encourages people to better understand the motivations behind their digital habits and make more intentional choices about when to connect and when to take a break.
Tan Toi Chia, Chief of People, Organisation and Communications at StarHub, said the conversation around screen time is increasingly about balancing digital use with meaningful, real-life moments. She added that choosing to pause creates opportunities to strengthen connections between individuals, families and communities.
The Power of Pause initiative will run throughout the year through a refreshed Digital BMI (Balanced Media Index) microsite, corporate partnerships, creator collaborations and community activations, culminating in the return of the StarHub 5G Wellness Festival in September 2026. The refreshed platform combines tailored recommendations with expert-backed resources from partners including the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), National Library Board (NLB), and digital mental health platform ThoughtFull. In support of the national Digital for Life movement, IMDA has contributed online safety resources aimed at helping parents and youths build healthy digital habits.
Dr John Pinto, Head of Counselling at ThoughtFull, said the study’s findings align with clinical data observed across the region, noting that hyperconnectivity is becoming a measurable driver of psychological strain. He added that through the partnership with StarHub, Digital BMI users will be able to better understand their emotional needs through clinically backed content and a dedicated support journey within the ThoughtFull app.
The Digital BMI microsite covers areas ranging from digital wellbeing and long-form reading to improve focus, to online safety and parenting in the digital age, aiming to provide trusted guidance tailored to different life stages and needs.