A new global survey highlights a shift in how teens view social media. While most U.S. teens say these platforms help them stay connected, nearly half now believe social media often harms people their age. The results, published in April 2025, come amid growing concern about youth mental health in highly connected societies. For Thailand, where smartphone use among young people is among the highest worldwide, these findings raise important questions about risks and opportunities in the digital era.
According to research involving 1,391 U.S. teens and their parents, a strong majority say social media improves connections with friends, yet almost half of the teens’ peers are seen as negatively affected. Teens themselves are less confident that social media harms their own well-being, suggesting a notable divide between personal experience and perceived social impact. Thailand’s rapidly expanding digital landscape makes these issues particularly relevant for educators, parents, and policymakers aiming to support healthy online lives for adolescents.
Global experts are watching mental health trends closely. While pandemic-related pressures persist, the Pew findings align with concerns raised by health leaders about anxiety, depression, and online harassment linked to digital use. In Thailand, a Health Promotion Foundation survey indicates Thai youths spend seven to eight hours online daily, a pattern associated with sleep disruption, anxiety, and cyberbullying. Public health discussions in Bangkok emphasize the need for balanced digital engagement and strong offline support networks.
The study also reveals a clear gap between how parents and teens view the situation. Many parents express high levels of concern about teen mental health, while a smaller proportion of teens report the same level of worry. Among teens, girls report higher levels of anxiety and more openness to seeking help online, though they also use digital spaces for support and creative expression. Similar patterns appear in Thai youth, where girls often engage more with online communities but may face heightened pressures around appearance, reputational concerns, and cyberbullying.
Where mental health triggers are concerned, social media remains a contested space. Parents frequently blame online platforms for distress, while teens point to a broader mix of factors, including bullying, social expectations, and academic stress. In Thailand, researchers note that cyberbullying and exclusion on social networks contribute to stress, particularly among marginalized groups. The conversation now emphasizes digital literacy, healthier online behaviors, and access to confidential mental health support.
Positive aspects of social media persist. Many teens credit online connections with friendship and community, and a substantial share view social apps as spaces for creative self-expression. In Thailand, platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have become springboards for authentic voices in fashion, art, and activism. However, the percentage of youths who feel supported online has dipped since 2022, underscoring the ongoing need to cultivate positive, supportive digital ecosystems and to curb harmful content.
The gender dynamics are pronounced. Teen girls report more negative experiences and more attempts to limit time online, yet they also report higher engagement with mental health resources and online communities. This complexity highlights the importance of nuanced approaches to digital well-being that recognize both risks and strengths within girls’ online lives.
For Thai educators and parents, the takeaway is clear: strengthen digital literacy and mental health support within schools and communities. Thailand’s education authorities have piloted programs to train teachers in recognizing online-related stress and to promote social-emotional learning. Yet gaps remain—especially in rural areas where access to counselors can be limited. Community groups and NGOs continue to play a critical role in providing safe spaces for youth online and offline.
Global insights suggest practical steps for Thai families and schools: encourage device-free periods, particularly during meals and before bed; limit exposure to online drama and cyberbullying; and foster in-person friendships and offline hobbies. Equally important is teaching teens how to critically evaluate online information and how to curate their digital environments to protect well-being. Health and education experts emphasize collaboration among parents, teachers, tech companies, and policymakers to create safer digital spaces.
Policy discussions point to a balanced approach that protects young people while promoting digital inclusion. Measures to curb harmful advertising, protect privacy, and prevent cyberbullying should involve youth voices, while technology firms are urged to invest in safer platforms and robust reporting mechanisms. In Thailand, Dr. Voranuch Chantarawong, a child psychiatrist at a leading Bangkok hospital, stresses ongoing dialogue with young people: co-browsing online dilemmas and modeling healthy digital habits are essential for building resilience both online and offline.
Cultural strengths can support resilience. Thai family bonds, community networks, and mindfulness practices offer a sturdy foundation for healthy technology use. Temple-based youth programs in northern Thailand show potential when traditional practices are integrated with digital literacy and family support, helping bridge modern and traditional approaches to care.
Looking ahead, the key message from Pew’s findings—and its Thai relevance—is clear: protect youth mental health while leveraging the connective power of social media. Global research points to practical actions such as setting device-free routines, reducing exposure to online drama, and encouraging offline activities. Encouraging teens to assess their own digital environments and make intentional choices has shown promise in improving well-being.
Practical steps for parents and schools include setting reasonable screen-time limits, fostering device-free family activities, and participating in digital literacy workshops offered by public health organizations or NGOs. Regular, non-judgmental check-ins with young people remain one of the strongest safeguards against digital-era stress.
For Thailand, the challenge is to scale supportive structures while respecting cultural values. The goal is to empower youth to enjoy the benefits of digital life—connectivity, creativity, and access to information—without compromising mental health. Policymakers, educators, and families must work together to create a safer, more inclusive online environment.