New international findings reveal that children who exhibit compulsive online behaviours—such as relentless scrolling on social media, constant phone use, and heavy video gaming—face markedly greater mental health risks than peers with less intense engagement. A landmark 2025 study, highlighted by major outlets, shows the danger lies not in total hours online but in the pattern of use: highly addictive, hard-to-stop behaviours dramatically shift youths’ wellbeing and resilience.
This is a critical issue for Thai parents, teachers, and policymakers. Thailand’s rapid digital shift means many students are online from an early age. National data indicate Thai youths use smartphones longer each day than global peers, a trend accelerated by online schooling and social networks during the pandemic. With rising reports of anxiety, depression, and troubling cases of self-harm among young people, international findings offer an urgent call to action for local communities.
The major study, conducted by teams from Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University, and the University of California, Berkeley, followed thousands of preteens over several years. It assessed not just screen time but “addictive patterns”—persistent urges to use, difficulty stopping, and neglect of offline duties in favour of online activities. Youths with escalating addictive use were about 1.5 times more likely to report mental health concerns, and two to three times more likely to experience thoughts of self-harm than peers with lower levels of addiction, according to coverage of the findings.
What makes this especially relevant for Thai families is the focus on behaviour, not merely time spent online. A prominent psychiatry expert from Columbia University cautions that interventions should address the addictive behaviour itself, often through cognitive-behavioural therapy, rather than simply restricting screens.
Thailand has long grappled with Internet and gaming concerns. In recent years, government and health associations have warned about the overuse of digital devices among students. While gaming disorder is recognised in international classifications, broader Internet or social media addictions are not official disorders in many diagnostic systems, which can complicate treatment and parental guidance.
Nevertheless, evidence consistently links severe outcomes to changes in behaviour—sleep disruption, declining school performance, reduced family interaction, and, in some cases, depressive thinking. A 2023 survey from Thailand’s Department of Mental Health found that around one in five high school students showed signs of problematic internet use, aligning with global patterns.
Experts emphasize a multi-layered response. The latest international analyses of hundreds of thousands of children across many studies show that emotional and behavioural challenges and screen-addiction often form a cycle: anxiety or loneliness can drive compulsive online use, which in turn worsens mood and social withdrawal. This cycle presents a particular challenge for Thai education and youth culture, where digital platforms are deeply integrated into daily life.
Thai context adds cultural nuance. Social media usage is high among Thai youth, with platforms like LINE, Facebook, and TikTok playing central roles in communication and entertainment. For many families, devices are common tools for learning and connecting, but they also carry risks. A leading youth mental health expert notes rising sleep disturbances, anxiety, and declining grades tied to late-night online activity, highlighting the need to understand what youths seek online—validation, escape, or connection—and to offer healthier alternatives.
Policy responses across the region have shifted from blanket screen limits to targeted, evidence-based approaches. Cognitive-behavioural therapy adapted for digital-use concerns is gaining traction in Thai clinics, with group programs for adolescents showing early promise. Practical strategies include teaching youths to identify triggers, develop offline coping skills, and foster family routines that support balanced use.
When schools respond, the emphasis is on digital literacy coupled with emotional resilience. The COVID-19 era transformed how Thai students engage with screens, prompting educators to explore methods that build digital skills without encouraging risky patterns. Pilot programs in Bangkok schools that reward offline engagement alongside online learning have yielded encouraging results, though more data are needed.
Scholars acknowledge ongoing debates about whether Internet-use disorders are standalone conditions or symptoms of broader issues. Some youths with mood or attention difficulties appear more susceptible to developing compulsive screen habits. Ongoing research continues to refine understanding and intervention approaches.
For Thai families and educators, actionable takeaways include:
- Prioritise conversations about how, why, and when devices are used, not just total hours.
- Encourage open dialogue about feelings before and after online sessions.
- Be alert to warning signs such as unusual sleep changes, falling grades, withdrawal, or distress related to online interactions.
- Seek professional mental health guidance promptly if signs of problematic use emerge.
- Promote offline activities that support a balanced lifestyle.
- Advocate for schools and communities to provide digital literacy alongside emotional resilience programs.
As Thailand navigates rapid digital change, the takeaway is clear: the pattern of online use matters more than the sheer amount. By understanding addictive online behaviours and offering targeted support, Thailand can help its younger generation stay healthy, resilient, and connected—both online and offline.
In-text attributions reflect research from leading universities and prominent health organizations, with information integrated to avoid relying on any single source. Data synthesis from international studies and Thai mental health experts informs practical guidance for families and schools.