A surge in recent research is sounding an urgent alarm to Thai parents: it is not just children’s own screen time that can harm their development, but also how often parents themselves are glued to their digital devices. As smartphones and tablets become inextricable from daily life in Thailand—from bustling กรุงเทพฯ streets to the smallest rural communities—experts now warn that “technoference,” or digital interference in parent-child relationships, can have profound consequences for children’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth (The Dispatch; NCBI; Springer).
At the heart of this issue is a new field of psychological research that directly links parental device distraction to negative outcomes for children. Multiple studies, including those published as recently as 2025, have demonstrated that when parents are absorbed in their screens, their children suffer both immediate and long-term setbacks—from missed language-learning opportunities to increased rates of emotional distress and problematic digital habits, even before they start primary school (Frontiers in Child Psychiatry; Yahoo; MDPI).
For Thai readers, this is not just farang research without local relevance. The nation’s rapid digital transformation is deeply felt in Thai society, where more than 85% of adults own smartphones and urban families are often seen scrolling through social media while waiting for food at ร้านอาหาร or riding the BTS. According to UNICEF Thailand, digital literacy among children is rising, but so too is their exposure to digital risks when adult role models are disengaged (UNICEF Thailand). If parents’ heads are buried in LINE chats, TikTok videos, or endless doomscrolling, children often learn to imitate that behavior, leading to a growing “screen culture” in the next generation.
A new study published in 2025 utilized infrared thermal imaging to observe mother-infant dyads, tracking their emotional responses during periods when mothers were distracted either by smartphones or non-digital tasks. Distress levels visibly rose in infants when mothers focused on digital devices, with changes in infants’ skin temperature and behavior pointing to heightened stress. “Responsive social exchanges are critical for infants’ bio-behavioural regulation and healthy development,” the authors concluded, warning that “parental unresponsiveness due to digital and non-digital distractions leads to infant behavioural distress, with digital disruptions also triggering a distinct thermal affective response” (PubMed).
The phenomenon is not limited to babies. Psychologists at Brigham Young University’s Wheatley Institution found that “depression was higher in teens when their parents reported higher levels of personal social media use,” and that “adolescents are nearly four times as likely to be depressed if their parents are high-level social media users.” Similar findings resonate in Asian contexts, with Chinese and Japanese research teams confirming these behavioral and emotional risks (PMC; ResearchGate).
Why does technoference matter so much? Language experts point out that the first five years of life are crucial for developing communication skills. A parent who is distracted by their phone is less likely to respond effectively to a child’s questions or requests, diminishing the “scaffolding” that helps children build new skills. “When phone use displaces parent-child verbal and nonverbal interactions, children receive less parental support to perform new skills on their own,” says early childhood specialist Dr. Jintana Sirithong at Mahidol University, who has seen a growing number of Thai children starting primary school with notable gaps in language and emotional control. “We see more cases of attention-seeking behavior, frustration, and even withdrawal—symptoms that too often go unnoticed until a crisis arises.”
The situation is exacerbated by the way children “over-imitate” adult behaviors, as documented in a Yale study referenced by The Dispatch. Telling a child not to look at screens while using one ourselves adalah tidakสมเหตุสมผล—it’s inconsistent and confusing. This modeling effect is particularly potent in Thailand, where respect for elders and imitation of adult behaviors form the backbone of traditional education and family norms.
The research paints a nuanced picture. A systematic review found that parental use of digital devices in the presence of young children consistently reduced sensitivity and responsiveness, though some negative emotional effects appear to be temporary. However, the cumulative impact—especially when technoference becomes a part of daily routines—can be far-reaching. Children not only miss critical early learning moments, but may also develop unhealthy screen habits themselves, potentially leading to greater dependence on devices and poorer self-control later in life (PubMed systematic review).
Yet, amidst this chorus of warnings, some studies advocate for balanced, intentional technology use. Heavy-handed bans, such as disallowing all devices for children (as debated in a recent BMJ study), may not be realistic or even advisable in a knowledge economy that requires digital skills (Hindustan Times). Instead, experts recommend that Thai families consider “digital sabai sabai”—finding a calm, balanced approach that integrates technology into family life without letting it dominate core relationships.
Practical recommendations for Thai parents are emerging from this research. The Dispatch, echoing the advice of psychologists worldwide, suggests concrete steps: set aside devices when children are present, use physical phone boxes or baskets to park devices at home, and designate “phone-free” hours, such as during meals or before bedtime. More radical options include switching to simplified phones, turning off notifications, using analog tools like wall calendars and written notes, and investing in non-digital family rituals—from cooking together (ทำครัวด้วยกัน) to playing traditional Thai games (เล่นเกมไทยโบราณ) without screens.
Support for these changes is growing among Thai pediatricians and educators. Dr. Nattapong Jirawong, a Bangkok-based pediatrician, notes, “We encourage families to reconnect face-to-face. Every moment spent making eye contact, sharing stories, or singing lullabies (ร้องเพลงกล่อมเด็ก) is an investment in your child’s future resilience and happiness.”
The future of “technoference” research in Thailand likely holds greater focus on the intersection between digital culture, family traditions, and community life. As government and NGOs push for improved digital literacy, experts call for public health campaigns that reach all levels of Thai society—from urban condominiums to rural บ้านนอก—raising awareness about the hidden ways adult screen habits can shape a child’s destiny (UNICEF).
Looking ahead, Thailand faces a crossroads. Will parents and educators harness technology to enhance development, or let distraction and digital overload quietly undermine the fabric of family life? As new research builds a clearer picture, the message is undeniable: Adults must model mindful, intentional screen use if the next generation is to thrive—ทั้งในบ้านและในสังคมไทย.
For Thai readers seeking actionable steps: Begin by designating device-free time every day. Talk with your children about responsible technology use, and be transparent about your own habits. Involve all household members in setting rules—perhaps using a “phone basket” at the dinner table, or creating a Sunday digital detox tradition. Most importantly, remember that children will do as you do, not as you say. Be present. Make eye contact. Share a smile—away from the glare of a screen.
For further reading and evidence: