A new survey found that 64% of young people feel anxious about the future.
This anxiety links to online safety fears, the rising cost of living, and job insecurity (Samsung UK).
This finding matters for Thai families.
Thai adolescents already show high rates of psychological distress and depressive symptoms in recent studies (Bangkok high school study; Thai adolescent depression study).
The Samsung survey interviewed 1,000 UK children aged 11–15.
It found 64% felt anxious about the future and 61% worried about the cost of living (Samsung UK press release).
The same poll found 47% worried about online safety.
It found 32% worried about future job prospects and 23% feared lacking digital skills (Samsung UK).
A separate youth report found that stress about the future affects most young people.
ReachOut reported that 83% of youth say future stress affects their mental health (ReachOut Australia report).
Parents often misjudge the emotional support their teens receive.
A U.S. health analysis found a big gap between parent and teen views of support (CDC/NCHS summary).
Experts advise parents to listen first and advise later.
Psychologists say teens want empathy more than immediate solutions (reported in Times of India coverage of the new research) (Times of India).
The Times of India article highlights five practical steps parents can take.
These steps include listening, normalising anxiety, fostering curiosity, teaching coping skills, and avoiding over-parenting (Times of India).
The FRIENDS prevention programme shows school-based CBT can reduce anxiety.
Researchers have evaluated FRIENDS as an evidence-based program endorsed by global bodies (FRIENDS programme overview; academic review PMC).
Thailand already shows worrying mental health trends among children.
A national review estimated one in seven adolescents in Thailand have a mental health disorder (UNICEF Thailand summary 2022).
A recent Thai study found around 38% of adolescents screened at risk for depression.
The same work reported that 22% of those at risk had suicidal thoughts (Thai adolescent depression study).
A large Bangkok study found 13% of high school students experienced psychological distress during the pandemic.
The study linked distress to online classes, health problems, and low family income (Bangkok high school study).
Thai families face cultural barriers to seeking mental health care.
Qualitative research showed stigma and fear of “losing face” delay help-seeking (Thai adolescent depression study).
This cultural context changes how parents should respond.
Thai parents often hold high academic expectations and value respect for authority.
Listening can reduce a teen’s isolation and shame.
Parents should set aside undistracted time to listen without judging.
Ask open questions and let teens speak.
Avoid offering immediate fixes or lectures in these conversations.
Validate the teen’s feelings to normalise anxiety.
Tell them that worry about the future is common and understandable.
Share concrete stories of problem-solving from your own life.
Show examples of career detours and how adults adapted.
Help teens build practical coping skills.
Teach breathing exercises, short mindfulness practices, and journaling.
Encourage small, low-risk experiments to explore interests.
Suggest a short internship, weekend project, or shadowing day.
Support curiosity instead of pressuring for fixed outcomes.
Praise effort, kindness, and learning more than grades.
Limit harmful social media exposure during stressful times.
Set boundaries on night-time screen use and doomscrolling.
Help teens learn digital skills and safe online habits.
Use Samsung’s free online safety and AI resources for schools as tools (Samsung UK Solve for Tomorrow resources).
Promote school-based mental health programmes.
Advocate for FRIENDS or similar programs in Thai schools (FRIENDS programme; academic review PMC).
Seek early professional help when worry impairs daily life.
Early CBT and school counselling reduce long-term risk.
Watch for warning signs that need urgent care.
Look for sudden school drop, withdrawal, self-harm talk, or substance use.
Work with schools to improve mental health access.
Thai schools often lack school nurses and consistent counselling (Thai adolescent depression study).
Use community networks to reduce stigma.
Buddhist community groups and local temples can offer compassionate support.
Train parents in mental health first aid.
Local health agencies can run parenting workshops and psychoeducation.
Policy changes can scale proven interventions across Thailand.
The Samsung survey found almost half of young people feel the curriculum does not prepare them for societal issues (Samsung UK).
Schools can add career design and resilience skills to the curriculum.
Programs like “Designing Your Life” encourage experimentation and reduce paralysis by perfection (commentary in Times of India summarising experts) (Times of India).
Employers and universities can partner with schools for work tasters.
Short placements can build confidence and reduce job-related anxiety.
Health services must reach rural and low-income families.
The Bangkok study linked low family income to higher distress (Bangkok high school study).
Public messaging should normalise help-seeking in Thai culture.
Campaigns can use respected community leaders to reduce stigma.
Parents should model resilience and calm.
Children learn emotional regulation from observing adults.
Practical daily steps can make a big difference at home.
Create a routine, ensure sleep, and schedule family conversations.
When to seek professional help is clear.
If anxiety disrupts school, eating, sleep, or relationships, seek help early.
School counsellors and primary care doctors can provide referrals.
Community mental health clinics and university hospitals offer adolescent services.
Policy makers should invest in youth mental health now.
Delayed action risks long-term social and economic costs.
Parents can act today with small, practical changes.
Start with listening, validating, and creating safe spaces at home.
Takeaway checklist for Thai parents: listen daily, validate feelings, teach coping skills, support curiosity, avoid over-control.
Use school services, seek early professional help, and advocate for better mental health programs.
For families in crisis, contact local health services or school counsellors immediately.
UNICEF and public health bodies urge rapid action to protect children’s mental health (UNICEF Thailand).
Parents can also use international resources to guide conversations.
Samsung, ReachOut, and FRIENDS provide free materials and program guides (Samsung UK; ReachOut; FRIENDS).
Thailand can respond by expanding school mental health services.
Policymakers can integrate resilience training and digital safety education in schools.
Parents and teachers can reduce the burden of future anxiety.
Small acts of listening and support help teens build hope and resilience.