As summer holidays begin and schools wind down, research increasingly links regular exercise with better mental well-being for teenagers. A nationwide survey in the United States found that 90% of teens say exercise makes them feel happy, yet many admit their activity drops during long breaks. For Thai families, rising concerns about youth mental health echo global trends, prompting questions about sustaining motivation for healthy movement year-round.
This topic matters in Thailand, where shifts in lifestyle and screen time influence teen habits. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and UNICEF Thailand show rising sedentary behavior, while recent local studies indicate that regular physical activity boosts well-being into adulthood. With school-based sports paused during holidays, families and educators face the challenge of keeping teens engaged in movement.
In the Planet Fitness survey of 1,000 parents and their children aged 14–19, 66% expressed concern about their teens’ well-being and stress, with 72% believing regular exercise can improve mental wellness. Ninety percent associated exercise with happiness, and more than 93% said regular activity helps them cope with challenges. Yet three in five admitted their fitness levels fall during summer, and 81% of teens report substantial daily screen time despite recognizing healthier limits.
Medical experts emphasize why these trends matter. A family medicine specialist notes that adolescents undergo rapid physical and psychological changes, plus sleep disruption and online influences. Exercise is a powerful tool for mood regulation and reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. A psychiatrist in Bangkok highlights that regular activity improves sleep quality and cognitive function, aligning with international findings on the mental health benefits of exercise.
Thai teens are not immune to these dynamics. The 2022 Thailand National Report Card on Physical Activity showed declines in regular activity among 6.6 million children aged 6–17, especially since the Covid-19 period. Barriers persist, including reduced access to facilities during holidays and financial or logistical challenges for families. An adolescent medicine physician explains that even in major cities, not every child can reach a gym or afford summer programs. Safe, accessible spaces for physical activity remain unevenly distributed.
Cultural factors also shape behavior. Traditional outdoor games and Muay Thai once drew children outside, but digital entertainment now dominates. At the same time, many Thai families prioritize academic tutoring over extracurricular sports during breaks. An educational psychologist notes that physical activity should be seen as supporting brain development and emotional resilience, not as a distraction from studies.
Global research supports the mental health benefits of exercise for teens. A 2025 PubMed meta-analysis found aerobic exercise reduces depressive symptoms in youth with an effective dose of three to five sessions per week, each lasting 30–40 minutes. Another 2025 study showed exercise frequency moderates depression risk, especially for youths facing family or migration-related stress. Regular movement enhances neuroplasticity, cognitive control, memory, and stress resilience—benefits that extend beyond adolescence.
Motivation often wanes in the absence of structured activities. When after-school programs pause, routines vanish and teens may default to late-night online time. A Bangkok adolescent health specialist notes that without structure, exercise can feel like a chore.
What can Thai families do? Experts agree on the power of parental role modeling and family engagement. A psychiatrist at a Bangkok university hospital emphasizes that visible family activity encourages teens to value movement. If families walk, cycle, or play together, it creates positive shared experiences.
Practical strategies for keeping teens motivated this summer include:
- Align activity with personal interests, whether it’s dance, badminton, skateboarding, or exploring new outdoor hobbies.
- Tap into community resources. Free or low-cost programs and local sports days help lower barriers.
- Integrate activity into daily life. Encourage walking or cycling for errands, or spontaneous street football with friends.
- Use technology positively. Thai-focused fitness apps and local YouTube workout channels can make movement social and enjoyable.
- Maintain open dialogue. Discuss mental and emotional benefits alongside physical gains to empower youths.
A Bangkok sports science lecturer notes the importance of family involvement in Thai culture for encouraging participation. However, gender norms and safety concerns can influence girls’ willingness to engage in certain activities, underscoring the need for inclusive, supportive messaging.
Looking ahead, experts warn that inaction could further harm youth fitness and mental health. Thai Ministry of Public Health data indicate rising rates of adolescent depression and anxiety, with inactivity and social isolation as risk factors. The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily for teenagers, but many Thai youths do not meet this guideline. Community-based solutions are essential: expand free or low-cost summer programs, create safe green spaces in urban areas, and organize holiday “activity challenges” that foster teamwork beyond academics. Digital campaigns blending popular local culture, such as dance trends and friendly movement-based competitions, can engage teens where they spend their time.
Ultimately, the evidence and practice from Thailand and beyond show that exercise offers meaningful psychological and physical benefits for teenagers. Keeping youth motivated during school breaks is a public health and social-emotional priority. Parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders should model enthusiasm for movement, remove barriers, and connect activity to Thai youths’ passions to build lifelong habits of happiness and resilience.
Practical recommendations for Thai families this summer include:
- Participate in daily movement with your teens and look for community sports days or temple fairs that encourage activity.
- Limit recreational screen time after dark and listen to your children’s preferred forms of exercise.
- For resource-limited families, remember that simple activities like running, jumping rope, and neighborhood games can be highly effective.
- Keep lines of communication open about mental health and remind teens that movement supports both heart health and emotional well-being.
In line with local context, authorities encourage inclusive, safe, and accessible options for all communities. By modeling an active lifestyle and providing supportive spaces, Thailand can help the next generation grow healthier, more resilient, and more engaged in life.