As concerns about children’s mental health and screen dependency rise globally, the call to “rewild” children—allowing them to spend summer away from smartphones—has become a powerful trend. Drawing inspiration from recent recommendations by the Raising the Nation Play Commission in the UK, new evidence suggests that a phone-free summer might not only curb digital overuse but also foster resilience, happiness, and social skills in young people. This movement comes at a crucial time as research and parent anecdotes paint a portrait of a generation described as “sedentary, scrolling and alone,” with smartphone use implicated in declining childhood wellbeing (The Times).
For Thai families and educators, the significance of this shift is twofold: not only does it respond to global health trends, but it also resonates deeply with national concerns about children’s screen habits. A growing body of Thai and international research has identified excessive screen exposure—including smartphone use—as a risk factor for psychological challenges such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems (PubMed, PMCJ). As childhood routines become more digital, parents, schools, and policymakers in Thailand are urgently seeking practical interventions to restore healthy childhood experiences.
The heart of the latest conversation is the summer camp—an environment intentionally designed to disconnect children from their devices and reconnect them with nature and peers. According to American psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of “The Anxious Generation,” summer camps offer “the best way for a child to detox from smartphones and social media.” Haidt recounts striking anecdotes where children regain their joyful, social selves after a week of tech-free activities, underscoring how shared adventures, “reasonable risk” outdoor experiences, and close camaraderie can reverse the negative changes attributed to screen overuse (The Times).
The appeal of summer camps, Haidt argues, is rooted not in mere deprivation of digital comforts, but in the joyful substitution of hands-on activities—rafting, climbing, singing around campfires, and exploring forests. He notes that overcoming initial feelings of nervousness or disconnection from their phones helps children build confidence and “anti-fragility”—a trait linked to resilience in the face of future challenges. These immersive experiences let young people discover strengths untapped by virtual interactions and repetitive scrolling.
Families from the UK to the United States are increasingly seeking out such phone-free experiences. Reports show a record uptake in nature-based programs like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, reflecting the demand for screen-free adventure and meaningful engagement with the outdoors (The Times). Testimonials from parents describe children returning home with greater confidence, pride, and self-awareness—often discovering intrinsic motivations and social skills lost in the distractions of social media.
This global momentum has important implications for Thailand, where the issue of children’s digital habits is subject to growing academic scrutiny. Recent studies among Thai children show similar patterns: higher screen time is associated with increased behavioral problems, emotional difficulties, and strained family communication (PubMed). One Thai study found that longer daily screen use independently predicted signs of emotional withdrawal and lower social-emotional competence in primary school-age children (ScienceDirect, ResearchGate). Given these risks—mirrored in worldwide findings about “problematic smartphone use,” which can degrade mental health and foster social isolation (Wikipedia))—the argument for phone-free summer initiatives gains urgency in the Thai context.
Surprisingly, the solution is not limited to exclusive or expensive programs. A wealth of creative options exists for all families. Inspired by lists like the UK’s National Trust’s “50 Things to Do Before You’re 11¾,” Thai parents can support local “rewilding” by encouraging classic outdoor play, DIY adventures (from rolling down hills to building shelters), and family outings that embrace safe, reasonable risk. The psychological benefits of hands-on nature activities, as seen in both Western and Thai studies, are well-documented: lower stress, higher self-esteem, improved attention spans, and better social engagement (PMCJ).
Some international models, such as Mud and Guts’ foraging and bushcraft camps, illustrate how day camps and weekend workshops can provide children with unique lifelong skills—from whittling and tree identification to building shelters and learning natural sciences. The transformation described by parents—children realizing a passion for the outdoors or discovering disinterest in social media—highlights the value of such hands-on approaches. Even urban environments offer opportunities for rewilding, from night-time nature walks illuminated by UV torches to family gardening projects. Monthly subscription boxes with gardening and craft activities make it easy for even the busiest parents to get children outside.
For camps that do ban phones completely, the transformation can be fast and joyful. Within twenty minutes, new campers—initially resistant or anxious—are seen swapping snacks, competing in group games, and singing together. Time after time, participants report that the absence of devices allows them to form new friendships, experience genuine adventure, and develop a sense of pride and accomplishment that carries into the new school year (The Times).
In Thailand, leading summer camps and international education providers are beginning to adopt strict “no phone” or “device-free” policies. One prominent English-language camp in Kanchanaburi advertises that children “unplug” with all electronic devices banned for the duration of the program (iCamp Thailand). Reports indicate that these rules are popular with both staff and families, who observe notable improvements in children’s emotional wellbeing, group interaction, and engagement with physical activity. Thai recreation policies increasingly recognize that the aim is not simply to curtail screen use, but to offer positive, fulfilling alternatives—a philosophy echoed in international best practice (Phone-Free Camp Policy Example).
To fully harness the benefits of a phone-free summer, Thai parents and educators must overcome some practical and cultural obstacles. These can include parental anxiety about safety, children’s initial resistance, or the challenge of organizing activities in sprawling urban environments. Experts recommend framing digital detox not as punishment, but as an exchange for something more rewarding—shared adventure, creative projects, and new social connections. It is also important to start small: family day trips, local holiday camps, or even weekly technology “off hours” can lay the foundation for healthier habits year-round.
Despite their unique features, Thai camps and outdoor programs often reflect deep-rooted local traditions. From temple forest walks and community festivals to Songkran water fights and Loy Krathong lantern releases, Thailand has a rich heritage of communal outdoor activity. Revitalizing these customs in the context of digital wellness could create a uniquely Thai path to rewilding, blending respect for tradition with answers to modern health challenges.
Looking ahead, the movement to reclaim children’s summers from smartphones shows no sign of waning. As educational leaders and mental health professionals grapple with the long-term impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns and the digital “new normal,” the growing appetite for genuine, tech-free play is likely to reshape childhood across Thailand. Further research is needed to monitor the outcomes of phone-free programs, particularly among urban youth, but global and local studies already point to major positive impacts—provided that digital detox is paired with opportunities for healthy social risk, outdoor adventure, and purposeful skill-building.
For Thai families seeking to “rewild” their children this summer, the action plan is practical and inclusive:
- Seek out local camps or holiday workshops with device-free policies.
- Organize family nature adventures inspired by time-tested lists and local traditions—river rafting, treasure hunts, or camping under the stars.
- Support screen-light routines at home: plan weekly phone-free activities, encourage children’s creative projects, and model device moderation as adults.
- Educators and youth leaders should prioritize outdoor play, foster meaningful group challenges, and advocate for evidence-based digital wellness in school policy.
By championing these approaches, Thai society can nurture a new generation of confident, resilient, and connected children—ready to thrive both on and off the screen.
Sources: The Times | PMCJ Article on Digital Screen Use | PubMed Study | iCamp Thailand | ScienceDirect Thai Research | ResearchGate | Wikipedia