A new wave of research is sounding the alarm for parents, educators, and policymakers as a groundbreaking study published in June details how excessive screen time, coupled with low physical activity, is strongly associated with heightened stress and depressive symptoms among adolescents. This study, highlighted in PsyPost, brings fresh evidence to the ongoing debate over youth digital habits and their mental health in an era where smartphones and social media are nearly ubiquitous, especially in Thailand’s school-age population.
The significance of these findings reverberates in Thai society, where the Department of Mental Health and academic institutions like Chulalongkorn University have reported rising concerns about teen mental well-being over the past decade. According to the 2022 Thai National Health Examination Survey, more than 85% of secondary school students spend upwards of five hours per day on digital devices, much of it on social media platforms like TikTok, Line, and Instagram. In contrast, less than one in three Thai teens meet the minimum World Health Organization recommendations for daily physical activity.
The landmark study analyzed behavioral data and self-reported stress and depression symptoms from thousands of adolescents. Key results showed that higher screen time significantly predicted elevated levels of psychological distress and depressive feelings, while engagement in regular physical activity had a clear protective effect. Adolescents spending more than four hours per day on screens who also exercised the least were found to be the most vulnerable group, with odds of reporting high stress or depressive symptoms nearly double those of their more active peers.
“This evidence emphasizes a pressing public health issue,” explained a Thai-based adolescent mental health specialist at a well-known university hospital. “Digital engagement is unavoidable for today’s youth, especially with online learning and social lives increasingly conducted on smartphones. But this research demonstrates the critical need to balance screen time with physical activity for healthy adolescent development.”
These findings align with earlier global research; a 2021 analysis in the journal JAMA Pediatrics similarly concluded that both excessive screen time and reduced movement independently increased risks of depression and anxiety in youth worldwide. Importantly, the link remains strong even after accounting for other factors such as age, academic stress, and family income. The World Health Organization also identifies mental health promotion among adolescents as a top global priority, citing screen-based sedentary behaviors as an emerging risk factor (WHO).
In Thailand, these issues are compounded by urbanization and the transition to more indoor lifestyles. Pandemic-related school closures and remote classes resulted in even higher digital engagement and lower levels of physical activity among students, a trend confirmed by surveys conducted by the Ministry of Education in 2021. Experts warn the aftershocks of these shifts may be felt for years without action.
Cultural expectations in Thailand also play a role. The traditional focus on academic achievement often drives long study hours and private tutoring, leading young people to spend more time indoors on screens and less time engaging in outdoor activities. A senior official from the Department of Health explains: “Parents and teachers need to be mindful of students’ holistic health, not just academic performance. Kids require active play and socializing offline for their emotional well-being.”
Looking ahead, experts urge an integrated response. Recommended actions include setting clear family guidelines for digital device use, encouraging group physical activities both at school and at home, and creating more attractive, safe community spaces for youths to exercise and socialize. The Ministry of Public Health has begun rolling out pilot programs in select secondary schools, offering workshops in digital literacy and stress management alongside expanded sports facilities and after-school clubs.
Comparatively, similar initiatives in neighboring countries have yielded promising results. In Vietnam, for example, schools that implemented mandatory daily exercise breaks and phone-free lunch periods recorded a decrease in reports of stress among students over a semester (Vietnam Ministry of Health 2023). These simple policies could inspire similar changes in Thai schools.
For parents, promoting healthier digital habits can begin at home. Tips include co-creating a family media plan, integrating physical activities such as cycling or traditional Thai games into daily routines, and fostering open discussions about online experiences and emotions. Meanwhile, youth organizations and local governments can collaborate to bring more sporting events and active festivals to parks and temples—spaces integral to Thai communal life.
Ultimately, the study’s outcomes serve as an urgent call for all stakeholders—families, schools, health professionals, and policymakers—to rethink modern youth wellbeing strategies. By bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds, Thailand can better nurture a generation that is both tech-savvy and emotionally resilient.
For further information, see the original PsyPost coverage, and consult local health resources for guidance on balancing screen time and promoting adolescent wellness.