A recent nationwide US survey reveals a remarkable finding: 90% of teenagers report that exercise makes them feel happy, yet half admit their fitness levels decline during school holidays—a trend with clear relevance for Thai families as the summer heat and academic break threaten to sap teens’ motivation to move. The study, conducted by Planet Fitness and summarized in a recent Parents.com article, asked 1,000 teens aged 14-19 and their parents about physical activity and well-being, surfacing fresh insight into how exercise fuels adolescent happiness—and practical approaches families can adopt to keep teens active despite seasonal slumps.
Summertime is both a gift and a risk: while it frees young people from school routines, it also exposes them to learning loss, known as the “summer slide,” and the lesser-discussed decline in exercise. According to the Planet Fitness survey, 66% of parents are concerned about their teens’ stress, and a striking 72% believe exercise is key to strengthening teen mental health. But as structure melts away, three in five teens say their stress and anxiety worsen with age, reflecting a cycle familiar to Thai parents and educators who see youth turn to their screens during long breaks.
The challenge is clear. In the absence of scheduled sports or after-school activities, many teens lose access to safe, structured exercise. “When school is out for the summer and after-school sports are on hold, teens often lose the routine they usually follow,” explained the Chief Brand Officer at Planet Fitness. According to the Chief Medical Officer at Rula, teens’ lack of motivation is easily compounded by late-night gaming, social media, and simply wanting the rest after a demanding year. In Thailand, the intense hot season and enduring digital connectivity create a parallel struggle for families—urban teens hunker down with air conditioning and devices, while rural youth must contend with limited public green space or sports programs outside school terms.
International research consistently shows the mutual reinforcement of physical and mental health in teens. Board-certified psychiatrists and adolescent medicine physicians, quoted in the survey, highlighted that regular activity boosts mood, reduces depression and anxiety, improves sleep, and enhances cognitive function. Exercise also provides a healthy way for young people to connect with their peers, an especially important outlet during the traditionally social Thai summer period, which might otherwise revolve around indoor, solitary, or screen-based activities.
Yet, the threats are real and growing. In the Planet Fitness survey, 81% of teens admitted that screen time and social media dominate their day, eating into time that could be spent moving. Thailand’s youth are similarly at risk: data from the National Statistical Office found that over 90% of Thai teens spend more than two hours per day on digital devices—a figure that climbs steeply when school is out. Many teens know the trade-offs. The survey found that most teens are aware of the negative effects of constant social media and recognize that stepping away from screens could improve their mood, but nonetheless find it hard to break the habit.
The structural barriers—costs of gym memberships, lack of transportation, and insufficient public facilities—are also familiar in Thailand. “Some teens may lose access to safe exercise facilities during the summer. They may not have transportation to get to a fitness center,” said an adolescent medicine physician. In urban Bangkok, not every community has a free, public park or a safe biking trail, while in regional areas, affordable sporting clubs or youth centers can be thin on the ground, especially during school breaks when staff and programs are scaled back.
Despite these obstacles, the expert consensus is strong: parents play a pivotal role in encouraging healthy behaviors. “Parents have a unique opportunity to set a positive example for their teens by staying active themselves,” stressed a senior executive from Planet Fitness. Multiple experts noted that teens who see their parents enjoying regular exercise are likelier to stick with it themselves. In Thailand, where family outings often revolve around temple visits or shared meals, integrating physical activity—such as family bike rides to local markets or walks in national parks—can model a healthy lifestyle while respecting cultural traditions and supporting family bonds.
So how can Thai parents help their teens stay engaged with exercise when climbing temperatures and social pressures nudge them toward sedentary habits? Here are evidence-based, culturally adaptable strategies supported by both the survey and further research in adolescent health:
Make activity social and fun. Experts say that connecting exercise to activities teens already enjoy—such as group dance, badminton, swimming, or street football—can make it feel less like a chore and more part of their social life. Thailand offers many low-cost or free public events in parks, including open-air aerobics and community sports, especially around school holidays.
Encourage movement without making it a mandate. Whether it is helping out with household chores, walking the dog, or cycling to see a friend, regular movement does not require structured routines. The key, says a psychiatrist quoted in the article, is “to connect physical activity to what your teen values.”
Seek out free or affordable programs. In the US, Planet Fitness’s “High School Summer Pass” gives teens free gym access. In Thailand, while free gym programs are less common, government initiatives often open up school grounds or community centers for summer athletics (DPE and YMCA Thailand). Parents and teens should check municipal or district offices for details.
Be mindful of the heat. The Thai summer can be sweltering. Experts advise exercising in the early morning or late evening, choosing shaded paths, and ensuring proper hydration—a point echoed by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health in seasonal advisories.
Leverage technology for good. While screen time is a challenge, fitness tracking apps, online yoga classes, or group dancing challenges (like TikTok’s trending fitness vids) can transform teens’ attachment to devices into a motivational tool.
Experts also encourage parents to foster open communication about the benefits and challenges of staying active. “Open communication about mental health and the benefits of physical activity can further encourage teens to stay active,” advised the Chief Medical Officer at Rula. Thai cultural sensitivity is key: for some families, discussing mental well-being remains less comfortable, but framing exercise as a way to build happiness, resilience, and readiness for the next school year may find more resonance.
Historically, Thai public health campaigns focused on obesity or physical education in schools. Recent years have broadened the approach to emphasize mental well-being and holistic fitness—a shift reflected in the global move to view adolescent health as a blend of mind and body. Evidence from the World Health Organization underscores the importance: globally, 81% of adolescents do not meet recommended activity levels, raising risks for future chronic disease and mental health issues. Thailand’s own epidemiological studies show similar patterns, with only a minority of teens meeting daily activity guidelines outside school terms (PubMed - Adolescent Physical Activity in Thailand).
Looking forward, researchers warn that the persistence of sedentary habits and high digital engagement may shape the next generation’s health for years to come. But they also point to promising interventions, such as “active design” city planning, community sports festivals, and digital engagement that rewards real-world movement—trends visible in emerging urban projects from Chiang Mai to Chonburi. Efforts to boost rural access to sports and active recreation are taking shape as well, with both government and private initiatives providing scholarships, equipment, and volunteer coaching.
In summary, the headline message for Thai families is clear: regular exercise brings joy and resilience to teens, even if motivating them through the long, hot summer might require creativity, patience, and cultural adaptation. Modeling active lifestyles, supporting their interests, creating opportunities for shared movement, and leveraging technology positively can help.
Practical recommendations for Thai parents this summer:
- Build daily movement into family routines—walk to the local market, visit a park, or play badminton at home.
- Investigate community programs for youth sport and exercise, especially those operated by local government or temples.
- Encourage activity early in the day or after sunset to avoid the worst of the heat.
- Discuss openly why staying active matters, focusing on happiness and readiness for the new school term.
- Set a positive example—join in the activity, show enjoyment, and reduce screen time together.
For further support, families can consult their local public health office or school health educators, many of whom offer resources and summer activities tailored to Thai youth.
Source references: Parents.com, National Statistical Office of Thailand, World Health Organization—Adolescent Physical Activity, PubMed - Adolescent Physical Activity in Thailand, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Physical Education, YMCA Thailand.