Singapore launches program paying citizens to limit phone use and read books

Singapore’s National Library Board has launched a new incentive scheme that pays residents to reduce their smartphone use and read physical books. Under the “Read & Rise” programme, participants who log a minimum of 30 minutes of uninterrupted reading each day and demonstrate a corresponding drop in screen‑time on their devices receive a cash reward of up to S$50 per month. The initiative, announced in early September, is part of the government’s broader effort to promote digital well‑being and improve literacy rates across the island‑nation.

The scheme requires users to register through a dedicated app, which tracks both reading activity—via QR code scans of book covers or RFID tags in library‑issued books—and smartphone usage statistics. Rewards are disbursed monthly after verification, and the programme is open to individuals aged 12 and above, with special outreach planned for schools and community centres. Officials say the pilot, funded by a S$2 million budget, will run for a year before being evaluated for possible expansion, aiming to encourage healthier media habits while fostering a culture of reading.