A leading psychologist who has dedicated his career to studying children and screen time has publicly reflected on his biggest parenting regret, offering a sobering lesson for families confronting the digital age. The revelation, which has sparked debate in parenting and education communities worldwide, comes as Thailand also grapples with rising concerns about youth mental health, digital device addiction, and the changing nature of childhood.
The psychologist—identified as a highly recognized professor and researcher on child development and digital media—shared that, despite years of expertise, his greatest regret as a parent is not instituting stricter boundaries around his own children’s use of smartphones and social media. This confession resonates with many Thai families, where smartphones have become central to daily life, education, and entertainment, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic and the shift to online learning. But why does this regret matter so much now, both globally and in Thailand?
Over the past decade, both international and local researchers have warned that an influx of screens in children’s lives is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and difficulties in social and emotional development. The psychologist’s recent book, “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” argues that the rise of smartphones—and the decline in traditional, unsupervised play—has fundamentally changed the landscape of childhood, with negative consequences for mental health. In interviews, including at the WSJ’s Future of Everything Festival, he has advocated banning smartphones in schools and promoting the use of simpler, feature-limited phones for students (Wikipedia).
The key facts are clear: According to multiple studies summarized in his work, rates of anxiety and depression among children and teenagers have increased markedly since the late 2000s, coinciding with the mass adoption of internet-enabled smartphones. These devices often function as portable entertainment consoles, social status symbols, and online social hubs—making them nearly impossible to avoid. In Thailand, research published by Mahidol University and various health agencies points to similar trends, with primary and secondary students reporting increased screen time, sleep disturbances, lower attention in class, and a concerning rise in cyberbullying cases (Thai Health Promotion Foundation).
Experts highlight that while screens offer many learning and communication benefits, the lack of regulation both at home and in schools puts children at risk of overexposure. The psychologist cautions that “we can’t simply blame technology itself; it’s how we allow it to dominate our children’s lives.” He admits his own past leniency—stemming from a desire to let his children enjoy the same freedoms as peers—ultimately may have sacrificed their potential for undistracted play, creativity, and deeper friendships.
A senior official at the Thai Ministry of Education, speaking on policy direction, notes, “Thailand’s schools struggle to balance technology’s advantages with its pitfalls. We see increased device use but not always alongside digital literacy or well-being education. It’s essential for parents and schools to collaborate on meaningful guidelines.” Various other child psychologists from Chulalongkorn University caution that the “parallel rise of mental health struggles and digital dependency among Thai youth must be treated as a public health priority,” echoing findings from the psychologist’s research.
Why is this especially relevant to Thai society? Historically, Thai culture has prized outdoor play, strong intergenerational bonds, and in-person socializing within local communities. However, as more families move to urban settings, children’s opportunities for unsupervised, creative play have shrunk—often replaced by time indoors with screens. The smartphone’s allure is unique in Thailand because of widespread internet penetration, affordable devices, and high popularity of mobile-first social media platforms like LINE and TikTok. As one policy advisor at the Digital Economy Promotion Agency explains, “Thailand’s smartphone penetration exceeds 90% among teens. Without intervention, the long-term impacts could mirror or even outpace those seen in Western countries.”
Looking ahead, there is increasing momentum for reform. Some Bangkok public schools have started requiring students to use basic, non-smartphones while on campus, and digital literacy campaigns are being piloted nationwide. At the community level, Buddhist temples and local youth centers have revived nature camps, traditional games, and mindful activities to compete with screen-based entertainment.
Parents, however, remain on the frontlines. The psychologist’s core advice is crystallized in his personal experience: Set clear, consistent boundaries around technology—don’t wait until the harms are obvious. Experts recommend the following actionable steps for Thai families: create device-free hours at home, encourage outdoor play and hands-on activities, and model healthy digital habits as adults. Schools can introduce wellbeing-focused digital literacy lessons and redesign the school day to prioritize social interaction and athletics alongside tech-based learning.
While the regret of even the world’s foremost experts may feel like cold comfort, it offers a rare window into the difficulty all parents face in a fast-evolving digital environment. For Thai mothers, fathers, and teachers, the lesson is clear—proactive, communitywide action is needed to safeguard the next generation against the unintended harms of unchecked screens.
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