#Audiomedia

As parents in Thailand and around the world grapple with how much “screen time” is too much for their children, new research and expert opinions are challenging our traditional understanding of what counts as screen time, especially in the era of podcasts, audiobooks, and smart speakers. With children now exposed to a wide range of digital media from an early age—not just tablets and televisions, but also audio-only content—educators, health professionals, and parents are wrestling with an urgent question: Is listening to a podcast the same as watching YouTube, and should it count towards children’s daily screen time limits?

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?