A leading developmental psychologist is cautioning parents and grandparents worldwide—including in Thailand—against giving young children overly stimulating electronic toys, warning that such items may hamper creativity, emotional regulation, and healthy cognitive growth. The expert’s advice, which recently gained renewed attention in a widely discussed article published on Parade, spotlights growing concerns about the long-term effects of high-tech toys on early development, and encourages a return to more traditional, open-ended forms of play (Yahoo/Parade article).
At the heart of the psychologist’s plea is a concern over toys that light up, play sounds, or require only passive engagement—features common in many electronic toys now flooding Thai markets and increasingly found in Thai households. “Avoid overly stimulating electronic toys which can actually undermine creativity and self-regulation skills,” the psychologist warns, echoing findings from numerous peer-reviewed studies that have raised red flags about the neurological and behavioral effects of such products.
This news is particularly relevant for Thai families, who in recent years have witnessed a steep rise in the popularity of electronic toys. The Thai e-commerce market is saturated with products ranging from interactive robot pets to tablets for toddlers. While these gadgets often claim to boost language, math, or STEM skills, experts say their inherent design may do more harm than good for young, developing minds. According to research published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, screen-based and battery-operated toys often reduce the frequency and quality of parent-child interaction, a vital ingredient for healthy emotional growth (JAMA Pediatrics). For many Thai parents—especially those living in urban Bangkok or busy provincial centers—electronic toys sometimes substitute for direct engagement because of convenience and the perception that they “teach” valuable skills.
The psychologist interviewed in the article advocates for toys that facilitate open-ended play, such as blocks, puzzles, and sensory materials. “Sensory toys, age-appropriate puzzles, blocks, toys without batteries, and anything that engages in pretend and problem solving tend to be best for developing brains,” the expert highlights. Such toys allow children to invent their own narratives, solve problems, and experiment, all of which foster foundational thinking and social-emotional intelligence.
Supporting these claims, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that traditional toys—such as construction sets and modeling clay—consistently outperform electronic toys in supporting speech development, fine motor skills, and creative thinking (Pediatrics official policy statement). For Thai families rooted in agrarian or extended family traditions, these recommendations parallel longstanding beliefs in the value of homemade playthings—coconut shell toys, bamboo scooters, and hand-sewn dolls have entertained and educated generations of Thai children before the era of mass-produced electronics.
From a cultural perspective, the call to rethink toy choices ties into deeper Thai values of sanuk (the joy of playful living), family togetherness, and community learning. Play in Thailand is not just a child’s activity but often involves siblings, elders, and nearby children from the neighborhood. Open-ended play helps reinforce important Thai social values such as cooperation, patience, and adaptability. According to practitioners in early childhood development at major universities in Thailand, such as Chulalongkorn and Mahidol, incorporating kin folk and community involvement during playtime is crucial for developing empathy and social awareness—traits sometimes overlooked by solitary engagement with electronic toys (Mahidol University: Early Childhood Development).
The psychologist’s guidance is also timely against the backdrop of Thailand’s widespread smartphone and tablet use, which the National Statistical Office reports has reached over 90% penetration in urban households with children under 10. The transition to e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic further boosted Thai families’ reliance on screens for both education and play, blurring the lines between productive and passive digital engagement (Thailand NSO ICT survey).
Yet, the expert emphasizes, not all screen time or digital play is inherently harmful. The problem lies in overexposure, passive interaction, and the displacement of more developmentally rich activities. Thai child psychologists from leading hospitals have voiced similar concerns, noting a growing trend in attention disorders and delayed speech among preschoolers frequently engaged with electronic toys and screens. This trend has spurred public health campaigns in Thailand, such as the “Play for Development” initiative promoted by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, which advocates for daily, parent-led, unplugged play as a foundation for early learning (Thai MOPH: Play for Development).
As for practical recommendations, the psychologist suggests that caregivers “schedule uninterrupted, child-led play time—during this time, ditch phones and let your child lead.” By prioritizing these periods, parents and grandparents can strengthen emotional bonds and create opportunities for meaningful learning. This approach resonates deeply in Thai households, where grandparents are often primary caregivers and play a key role in shaping attitudes toward both play and technology.
Beyond individual family practice, there are wider implications for Thai preschools and kindergartens. The Ministry of Education has begun to revise its early childhood curriculum to reduce screen-based activities in favor of hands-on, experiential learning. New model preschools in provinces like Chiang Mai and Nakhon Pathom now allocate up to two hours per day for “free play,” using blocks, sand, playdough, and found natural objects—reflecting the same priorities outlined by the psychologist (Bangkok Post: Early Childhood Curriculum Reform).
Another angle of this story is the booming Thai toy industry, which is forecast to grow by 7% annually through the end of the decade (Statista Toy Market Thailand 2024). There are calls from Thai educators and psychologists for manufacturers to prioritize the production of non-electronic, open-ended toys tailored to local traditions and environments. Entrepreneurs and social enterprises have started to reintroduce classic Thai toys, like “maeng mum” (spinning tops), reed flutes, and woven animal figures, which support the same principles as international block and construction sets.
Looking ahead, the psychologist’s advice could shape both consumer trends and public policy, especially if amplified through awareness campaigns across Thailand’s popular parenting forums and television programs. If adopted widely, this could lead to a cultural rebalancing, where the mental and emotional well-being of Thai children is placed above the allure of the newest digital gadget, ensuring they develop stronger self-regulation, resilience, and creativity.
For Thai caregivers seeking to act on this advice, experts recommend the following steps: review the frequency and type of toys at home, prioritize regular family play sessions with non-electronic toys, seek out local toy markets for traditional and sensory play items, and advocate in schools for curricula that emphasize hands-on learning. Reducing passive, solitary screen time and fostering face-to-face, imaginative play could be the best investment in Thailand’s future generation.
Sources used in this article include Yahoo/Parade, JAMA Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Mahidol University, Thailand NSO, Thai Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok Post, and Statista.