New research released in June links excessive screen time and low physical activity to higher stress and depressive symptoms among teens. The study analyzed thousands of adolescents’ self-reported emotions and behavior, finding that those who spend more time on screens and are less active face noticeably greater mental health struggles. Regular exercise emerged as a protective factor, reducing the likelihood of distress and depressive feelings.
In Thailand, concerns about teen mental health have grown among universities and health agencies. Data from Thailand’s National Health Examination surveys show a substantial portion of secondary students spend several hours daily on digital devices, with social media platforms playing a central role in daily life. Meanwhile, public health guidance consistently shows that many Thai youth do not meet global recommendations for daily physical activity.
Researchers highlighted a particularly vulnerable group: teens who spend more than four hours per day on screens and engage in the least physical activity. For these students, the risk of high stress or depressive symptoms nearly doubles compared with their more active peers.
Experts emphasize that digital engagement is a reality of modern adolescence, especially with online learning and social life increasingly occurring on mobile devices. Still, the findings underscore the need to balance screen time with physical activity to support healthy development.
The results align with earlier global studies showing independent links between high screen time and reduced movement with mental health risks in young people. The World Health Organization lists adolescent mental health as a global priority and notes that screen-based sedentary behaviors are an emerging concern.
In Thailand, urban lifestyles and indoor shifts have intensified these trends. Pandemic-era schooling and the shift to online lessons contributed to higher digital use and lower physical activity, a pattern that education officials say may persist without targeted interventions.
Thai culture, with its strong emphasis on academic achievement and privatized tutoring, can push longer study hours indoors. Health officials stress that students’ overall well-being requires more than academic success; active play and offline socialization are essential for emotional health.
Experts advocate a coordinated response. Recommended steps include clear family guidelines for device use, school-based and home-based group physical activities, and the creation of safe, inviting spaces in communities for exercise and socializing. Public health authorities are piloting programs in secondary schools that combine digital literacy and stress management with expanded sports facilities and after-school clubs.
Neighboring countries offer practical examples. In Vietnam, schools that introduced daily exercise breaks and phone-free lunch periods reported fewer stress-related concerns among students over a semester, suggesting simple, scalable policies for Thai schools.
For families, practical tips include developing a family media plan, incorporating traditional Thai games and cycling into daily routines, and maintaining open conversations about online experiences. Community groups and local authorities can partner to host more sports events and active festivals in parks and temples—spaces central to Thai life.
The study’s findings call for urgent action from families, schools, health professionals, and policymakers to integrate digital and physical well-being strategies. By balancing screen time with active, social experiences, Thailand can nurture a generation that is tech-savvy and emotionally resilient.
Further context can be found through national health assessments and guidance from local health authorities on promoting adolescent wellness and balanced digital habits.