A groundbreaking new study published in JAMA has sparked a timely debate among parents and experts worldwide, including Thailand, about the real impact of screens on young people’s mental health. The findings point away from the traditional focus on daily screen time limits and instead urge caregivers to pay close attention to signs of screen addiction—compulsive, dependent behaviors associated with technology use—as these are much more strongly linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among children and adolescents.
As social media, smartphone usage, and video games continue to proliferate in the lives of Thai children, the message for parents and educators is shifting: instead of simply monitoring the hours spent with devices, it may be far more important to assess the why and how of that usage. According to this latest research, it’s not just “too much time on screens” that matters most, but the presence of addictive, uncontrolled patterns that can signal deeper emotional and psychological distress (Parents.com).
Screen time has been a perennial concern in Thai households, with Line, YouTube, TikTok, and popular online games deeply woven into daily routines. Many Thai schools have considered or even enacted restrictions on student phone use, mirroring international trends. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand recommend strict limits for toddlers and young children, but enforcement and guidelines often waver for older children and teens.
The new JAMA study followed over 4,200 U.S. adolescents—representative of the global, tech-connected generation—tracking their technology habits and mental health outcomes over four years, from an average starting age of 10. Researchers found that by age 14, about one-third of the children showed increased dependence on social media, nearly a quarter became more addicted to their smartphones, and more than two in five displayed addictive symptoms related to video games. Those showing addictive behaviors were markedly more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts or actions (JAMA Psychiatry).
Unlike earlier studies focusing mostly on total screen hours, this research identified key “addictive” behaviors, such as feeling unable to stop using devices, escalating usage to feel satisfied, or becoming irritable without access. According to a psychiatrist with Mindpath Health quoted in the study’s commentary, the distinction is essential: “Those who described feeling addicted to their devices were at a significantly higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. That distinction is critical. It helps us focus on quality and function of use over quantity.” A psychologist in Atlanta, also cited, added, “Rather, kids’ emotional reactions and feelings of dependence—feeling unable to stop, needing more to feel good, or becoming irritable without it—were more correlated with addiction.”
From a Thai perspective, the findings are highly relevant. The National Statistical Office of Thailand has reported increasing digital engagement among youth, with some studies already warning that extreme internet use is associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety among Thai students (Thai Journal of Psychiatry). The social value placed on online communication, in both urban and rural communities, can intensify pressures—especially when online identities become deeply entwined with self-esteem.
While the study’s results are striking, experts emphasize some limitations. A psychologist from Stramski Children’s Development Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital pointed out that the research did not account for all possible underlying factors that might also affect mental health, such as family background, life events, pre-existing mental illness, or other compulsive behaviors. For example, a Thai child dealing with academic pressure or family instability may be more likely to resort to excessive screen use as a coping mechanism, so screens might be a symptom, not the root cause.
Moreover, the definition of “screen addiction” itself is still under debate. As a medical officer specializing in addiction medicine noted, universal criteria have yet to be established, making it challenging for parents and healthcare providers—both in Thailand and abroad—to easily identify when use becomes pathological.
Nonetheless, the signs of screen addiction are becoming clearer. Experts advise looking for warning signals, such as preoccupation with technology, failed attempts to cut back, using devices to escape problems, becoming agitated when offline, or facing negative consequences at school or home due to device use. In Thailand, anecdotes of teens sacrificing sleep for online gaming or becoming withdrawn from family activities are increasingly common, echoing findings worldwide (Bangkok Post).
The study also highlights that while screen addiction predicts increased mental health risks, parents should still consider limiting screen time. “Increased time can heighten the chances a child or teen develops addictive behaviors (and mental health issues),” observed the clinical psychologist. Thai pediatricians have repeatedly urged parents to recognize the limited executive function skills of children, warning that self-regulation is often beyond the ability of young users—especially when commercial game design exploits these vulnerabilities.
What can parents and teachers in Thailand do with these insights? Experts recommend several concrete, culturally adaptable strategies:
First, open, nonjudgmental conversations are vital. Discuss with children what screen addiction means, what its dangers are, and encourage reflection on their own device usage. This approach aligns well with the Thai school tradition of homeroom guidance and Buddhist values encouraging self-awareness and self-control.
Next, parents should proactively research the games and apps their children wish to use. This community-based knowledge sharing is a longstanding Thai practice—parents can ask teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice, or join online groups that review educational and entertainment apps for youth.
Setting boundaries is crucial. Rather than declaring top-down bans, parents are encouraged to involve their children in making family “tech agreements” that specify permitted uses and times. In Thai families where hierarchical decision-making is the norm, this co-creation can foster mutual respect and improve compliance by giving young people some sense of control. A psychiatrist in the study observes, “Children are far more likely to stick to screen time limits if they feel heard and involved in the process.”
Importantly, experts suggest enriching offline life by reconnecting children with hobbies, sports, and community activities. In rural Thailand, this might mean involvement in temple events, traditional music or dance classes, or helping with family businesses. In cities, parents can look for STEM clubs, theater workshops, or afterschool sports as alternatives to solitary screen use.
Community-wide action is also recommended. In the Thai context, where schools and temples often play pivotal roles in communal child-rearing, parent groups, school administrators, and teachers can collectively agree on digital norms, such as delaying smartphone ownership or restricting certain apps at school events. This collective approach reduces social pressure on individual children to conform to digital trends that may be unhealthy.
Another crucial step is to approach screen addiction with empathy and support, rather than discipline and shame. “Addictive screen use can often be a signal that your child is struggling emotionally,” the psychiatrist warns. Thai parents are encouraged to notice changes in their children’s mood, sleep, or relationships and consult mental health professionals if needed. Accessible hotline services, such as those offered by the Samaritans of Thailand and Childline Thailand, can be important resources for worried families.
Internationally, researchers are calling for continued study into what makes some kids especially vulnerable to screen addiction—questions of genetic or developmental risk that may be relevant for Thai children with specific learning profiles or histories of trauma. What is clear, both from global and Thai evidence, is that the era of ignoring digital risks has passed.
Looking ahead, the implications for Thailand are profound. With rapid digitalization expanding into every corner of society, educators and policymakers must update national guidelines and school policies not only around screen hours, but also the quality and context of device use. Curriculum initiatives should teach digital literacy, responsible online behavior, and emotional self-regulation from primary school onwards. Mental health professionals need training in technology-related disorders, and schools should establish clear referral pathways for at-risk students.
For families, experts recommend these practical steps:
- Observe your child’s online habits, not just time spent.
- Involve children in setting tech-use rules and keep dialogue open.
- Encourage and model offline pursuits and family engagement.
- Educate children about the risks of digital addiction and empower their self-regulation.
- Build connections through school and community to support healthy digital norms.
- Respond to signs of addictive use with understanding, and seek professional help when needed.
Ultimately, as Thai society becomes ever more digitally connected, the challenge will not be escaping technology, but learning to integrate it in ways that enhance, rather than undermine, psychosocial wellbeing. The emphasis on addiction over mere exposure offers a scientific, compassionate way forward for families, schools, and policymakers alike.
For further reading, see the original Parents.com report, the recent research in JAMA Psychiatry, coverage on screen use and Thai youth in the Bangkok Post, and local scientific analysis at the Thai Journal of Psychiatry.