Back to Blog [Radio Interview on CNA938] Always Online: The Struggle of Singapore’s Smartphone Obsession
September 10, 2025
[Radio Interview on CNA938] Always Online: The Struggle of Singapore’s Smartphone Obsession

CNA938, SINGAPORE, 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 – Always Online: The Struggle of Singapore’s Smartphone Obsession

From March 2026, South Korea will ban mobile phones and digital devices in classrooms nationwide, a bold step to tackle rising concerns about social media and smartphone addiction among youth. The move highlights a global conversation on digital dependence – and raises […]

CNA938, SINGAPORE, 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 – Always Online: The Struggle of Singapore’s Smartphone Obsession

From March 2026, South Korea will ban mobile phones and digital devices in classrooms nationwide, a bold step to tackle rising concerns about social media and smartphone addiction among youth. The move highlights a global conversation on digital dependence – and raises an important question: What is the smartphone addiction situation like in Singapore?

In a recent interview on CNA938’s The Morning Report with Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman, Tom Maniatis, Senior Addictions Therapist at Promises Healthcare, shares his expert insights on the challenges of smartphone overuse, how it affects mental health and daily functioning, and what can be done to manage this growing issue.

🔊 Listen to the full interview here: CNA938 – Always Online: The Struggle of Singapore’s Smartphone Obsession

Tom Maniatis
Senior Addictions Therapist & Health Services

Tom has over 20 years of professional experience in addiction treatment provision, predominantly working in government-contracted treatment services in the UK.This included delivering group and 1-1 therapy in various prisons, and regional community outpatient drug and alcohol treatment centers.His wealth of knowledge has led him to various responsibilities, including quality checking/inspecting treatment centers, educating medical personnel on treatment methods, and managing regional treatment services involving large multidisciplinary teams.His clientele most often includes people with very complex needs, and his extensive and diverse experience as a therapist means that he is able to think outside the box, handling highly complex and sensitive situations with confidence.Tom never gives up on clients and utilises a trauma-informed, neurodiversity friendly, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and compassionate approach.