A shift in how Thai families use media is reshaping ideas about screen time. New research suggests audio-only content such as podcasts and storytelling shows can support child development beyond simply limiting screen exposure.
The topic resonates in Thailand, where device access is expanding, especially in urban areas. Traditional guidelines from the Ministry of Public Health have focused on reducing time spent in front of screens, but experts now stress the differences between media types. The question arises: should listening to a podcast count the same as watching videos, and how should it affect daily screen time limits?
Recent findings indicate that not all screen time is equal. A 2025 consumer study shows overall daily screen time among children remains steady, even as media preferences shift. Gaming is rising, traditional TV is declining, and short-form video platforms are gaining traction. In Thailand, digital video consumption among children—spanning Thai and bilingual households—continues to grow.
Audio media enters the conversation as a meaningful alternative. A new report from the Education Development Center in the United States highlights podcasts’ potential for families. In a study of more than 100 households, children who listened to podcasts often engaged in off-screen activities such as dancing, acting out stories, or drawing scenes inspired by what they heard. Naomi Hupert, director of the Center for Children and Technology, notes that these behaviors point to development through imagination and active play rather than passive consumption.
Listening together can also strengthen family bonds. Shared podcast listening during commutes or meal prep encourages conversations between parents and children, echoing the value Thai families place on collective activities and learning through shared experiences.
However, podcasts should not be treated the same as all visual screen time. Health professionals advise focusing on content quality and engagement rather than simply counting minutes. A child dancing to a music podcast or listening to a storytelling show engages both body and mind, unlike endless passive video viewing.
Content quality matters. Parents are encouraged to practice co-listening, actively discussing what’s heard, and guiding younger children. This approach aligns with Thai norms that emphasize parental involvement and elder guidance in early education.
A Forbes analysis highlights podcasting’s growth in children’s learning, noting benefits such as improved listening skills, expanded vocabulary, and greater attention—especially valuable in bilingual Thai households and in regions where English is taught.
Thailand’s national agenda prioritizes digital literacy. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society promotes mindful technology use, while schools pilot media literacy curricula and healthcare providers offer guidance to balance digital and non-digital play.
The aim is not to demonize screens but to cultivate thoughtful, healthy media habits from an early age. Recognizing that audio media differ from video content allows Thai families to leverage their benefits while mitigating risks.
Practical guidance for Thai families:
- Choose quality content: Seek age-appropriate podcasts and audiobooks that are engaging.
- Listen together: Make podcast listening a shared activity and discuss stories and characters.
- Encourage creativity: Prompt children to act out stories, draw scenes, or create their own audio content.
- Balance digital with non-digital: Prioritize outdoor play and traditional Thai storytelling.
- Model healthy habits: Demonstrate mindful technology use and prioritize family time.
Thoughtful incorporation of audio media can support language development, cognitive skills, and social communication in Thai children, while aligning with local values and routines.