A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, published in PLOS Global Public Health, highlights how heavy screen use can disrupt sleep and elevate depression risk among teenagers. The findings call for urgent action from parents, teachers, and policymakers in Thailand to protect youth well-being in a tech-centric world.
The research followed more than 4,800 adolescents aged 12 to 16 for a year, examining screen time, sleep patterns, and mental health symptoms. It found that excessive screen exposure worsens both sleep quality and duration, which in turn increases depression risk. The effect was particularly pronounced among girls, with sleep disruption acting as a key mediator between screen use and mood issues. For boys, the link between screen time and depression appeared more direct.
This aligns with guidance from Thailand’s health authorities that emphasize limiting recreational screen time to support healthier sleep among teens. While prior studies have linked heavy screen use to sleep problems and mental health challenges, this study clarifies that sleep disruption often bridges the relationship between screens and depressive symptoms, especially for girls.
Over the 12-month period, increases in screen time were shown to trigger measurable changes in sleep within about three months, including shorter sleep durations and later bedtimes. These disruptions can upset the natural sleep-wake cycle and contribute to mood changes. In the Thai context, boys showed a more straightforward depressive response to high screen use, while girls experienced depression more indirectly through sleep disturbance.
Lead researcher Sebastian Hökby notes that adolescents with higher screen time tended to develop poorer sleep habits over time, which was linked to greater depression—most notably among girls. The researchers suggest that reducing screen time can support sleep health and may ease the mental health burden on youth, echoing public health recommendations from international organizations.
Thailand’s young population is highly connected, with smartphones and tablets common across households. As Thai teens navigate global digital trends, integrating awareness and prevention into public health strategies is crucial. Thai culture—with its emphasis on family, community, and social cohesion—offers a fertile ground for promoting healthier digital habits through collective action.
Practical steps for Thai families and schools include incorporating digital literacy into curricula and encouraging screen-free activities that strengthen social ties. Public campaigns could highlight communal, outdoor, or hobby-based activities as appealing alternatives to screen time. Policymakers might explore guidelines on youth screen time consistent with international best practices to support healthier digital lives for children and adolescents.
Looking ahead, technology will continue to evolve, and its mental health implications will adapt accordingly. Staying informed and proactive is essential for Thai society to balance the benefits of digital tools with the well-being of its younger generations.
Thai readers are encouraged to reflect on family screen habits and adopt simple, executable measures: establish tech-free zones during meals, prioritize outdoor recreation, gradually reduce daily screen time, and maintain consistent sleep routines. Through informed choices, screens can enhance life without compromising mental health.
Data from the Swedish study reinforces the importance of early, family-centered interventions to support teen sleep and mood. By weaving these insights into Thai public health, education, and community programs, the country can foster a healthier, more digitally mindful generation.