#Children

A common allergy medicine widely sold across Thai pharmacies faces growing international safety concerns. Diphenhydramine, best known as Benadryl, is being scrutinized by leading medical experts who warn its risks may outweigh benefits for many users.

Research from top institutions highlights safer alternatives that are particularly suitable for Thai families seeking allergy relief. Data from international studies suggest a shift toward second-generation antihistamines with improved safety profiles.

Diphenhydramine has occupied Thai medicine cabinets since the mid-20th century. In addition to treating seasonal allergies, it is used for insect bites, sleep difficulties, and some cold symptoms. The drug is readily available across Thailand’s network of pharmacies, with many products accessible without prescriptions.

A new wave of healthy cold lunch recipes is gaining attention among parents and nutrition experts worldwide, offering fresh, creative, and nutrient-packed options that are easy for children to take to school or camp—including in Thailand, where health-conscious families are seeking alternatives to traditional hot meals in the lunchbox. The latest feature on this trend, titled “15 Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids They’ll Want to Eat Forever,” showcases an inventive array of wraps, salads, and sandwiches designed to deliver a balanced intake of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats—all without the need for reheating.

A major international study warns that receiving a smartphone before age 13, especially for girls, may raise the risk of mental health challenges later on. The research analyzed more than 100,000 young adults aged 18 to 24 and highlights a digital dilemma for Thai families navigating rapid online change. Findings are supported by commentary from a leading U.S. broadcaster and underscore the need for Thailand to assess early device access and its long-term effects.

A groundbreaking international study has found that children who own smartphones before the age of 13—especially girls—face a significantly higher risk of developing mental health issues in later life. This research, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities and highlighted by ABC News, analyzed more than 100,000 young adults aged 18 to 24, shedding urgent light on a digital dilemma that increasingly resonates with Thai families navigating the rapid shift to online lifestyles (ABC News report).

A global study links smartphone use before age 13 to higher risks of mental health challenges, with girls showing greater vulnerability. The research highlights lower self-esteem, difficulties with emotional regulation, and increased thoughts related to self-harm. The findings, published in a respected developmental science journal, resonate with Thai families as device ownership rises and online connections deepen.

The analysis combines mental health data from nearly two million individuals across more than 160 countries, with strong participation from Asia. It reinforces concerns that early smartphone use exposes children to social media pressure, cyberbullying, and disrupted sleep. Each year earlier that a child gets a phone before 13 correlates with a further decline in overall well-being, underscoring a link between early exposure and psychological strain.

A groundbreaking global study has found that children who begin using smartphones before the age of 13 face a significantly increased risk of mental health challenges—especially young girls—with consequences including lower self-esteem, difficulty managing emotions, and even suicidal thoughts. The findings, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities and covered by media including Euronews, ABC News, and KHOU, are sending ripples through families, educators, and policymakers in Thailand as smartphone uptake among children soars.

Despite rising rates of allergies worldwide, a new wave of scientific research highlights a surprising exception: Amish children living in traditional farming communities display some of the lowest rates of allergies and asthma ever recorded. This remarkable immunity is now inspiring scientists to unravel the mysteries of the so-called “farm effect” and explore whether its protective elements can be replicated for broader society—a development with important implications for Thai families battling rising allergic diseases.

A growing body of evidence from farming communities suggests that early, regular exposure to natural environments can influence immune development and reduce allergy risk. While Amish children in the United States show notably lower rates of allergic sensitization and asthma, researchers warn that practical, safe adaptations are needed before any broad recommendations can be made for Thailand.

Across the world, urban living and sanitized indoor environments correlate with rising allergies. By contrast, studies indicate Amish children have a skin-prick test allergy rate well below that of most American children. Other farming communities do not reach the same protection, highlighting that the Amish environment may offer unique protective factors worth understanding.

A growing number of parents and experts worldwide are highlighting that some “normal” parenting rules—long considered standard—may in fact cause lasting emotional damage to children, according to the latest digital debate and emerging scientific research. Recent discussions, sparked by a widely shared BuzzFeed article in July 2025, show how social media communities and mental health professionals increasingly question rules like constant teasing, forced affection, tough love, the suppression of children’s emotions, and respect for hierarchy regardless of mutual respect. Thai families, renowned for their warmth but also shaped by traditional hierarchies, may find these revelations particularly meaningful as the nation grapples with global trends in parenting and mental health.

A global conversation questions long-held parenting norms. New research suggests certain familiar practices can harm children’s emotional development. The discussion gained momentum after a widely shared July 2025 BuzzFeed piece, and mental health professionals emphasize moving away from constant teasing, forced affection, harsh discipline, and public shaming. Thai families, known for warmth yet rooted in traditional hierarchies, may find these insights especially relevant as they navigate modern parenting and mental health challenges.

A growing body of research and expert opinion suggests AI-powered chatbots, even those crafted for friendly interaction, can hinder essential social and emotional development in children if treated as substitutes for real relationships. The Atlantic notes that frictionless AI friendships may skip the important lessons learned through human connection.

Thai families and schools are increasingly using digital tools—from homework helpers to virtual tutors—that aim to boost learning and provide emotional support. While these advances improve access and convenience, experts warn against mistaking AI responsiveness for genuine friendship.

As AI-powered chatbots gain popularity among children and teens, new research and expert opinion suggest that digital companions—even those designed for friendly interaction—may undermine key aspects of kids’ social and emotional development. The latest article from The Atlantic, “AI Will Never Be Your Kid’s Friend,” spotlights concerns that frictionless AI friendships risk depriving youth of the vital lessons gained through authentic human relationships (The Atlantic).

The debate comes as more Thai families and schools embrace digital technologies—from chatbots that help with homework to virtual tutors designed to boost academic performance and provide emotional support. While these advances offer clear benefits in convenience and accessibility, experts warn against mistaking AI responsiveness for genuine friendship.

Generation Alpha, children born roughly between 2010 and 2024, is shaping how Thai families raise the next generation. A mix of local studies and global analyses shows that parenting in a digital, diverse era requires intentional, culturally grounded approaches. Thai households face opportunities and challenges as they guide children toward resilience, curiosity, and responsibility.

Global research notes Generation Alpha’s digital fluency, openness to social progress, environmental awareness, and evolving expectations. A recent discussion highlights how even four-year-olds form strong opinions on climate, multiculturalism, and gender identity. In Thailand, this trend unfolds amid rapid digital change and shifting cultural landscapes, making local adaptation essential.

Raising Generation Alpha, children born between 2010 and 2024, has become one of the most hotly debated topics among parents, educators, and researchers worldwide. Sparked anew by a recent firsthand essay in Spiked and reinforced by major new findings from Thai and global scholars, the reality of parenting in this digital, progressive, and complex era defies simple stereotypes. With Thai families encountering both unique opportunities and daunting dilemmas, the question of how best to nurture the youngest cohort remains deeply relevant and, at times, fraught.

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?

A new JAMA study is reshaping how parents and educators view digital use among Thailand’s youth. The research emphasizes screen addiction—patterns of compulsive, uncontrolled technology use—over total hours spent online. It finds that addictive behaviors correlate more strongly with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts than simply counting screen minutes.

As Thai children increasingly engage with social media, smartphones, and online games, the takeaway for families and schools is clear: ask why and how they use devices, not just how long. Research indicates that the quality and function of use matter more for mental wellbeing than quantity alone. This perspective aligns with broader concerns in Thailand where digital platforms are deeply embedded in daily life.

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.

A landmark study published in The Lancet warns that after five decades of steady gains, childhood vaccination coverage is stalling or declining worldwide. The analysis draws on 50 years of country-level data and highlights a troubling rise in “zero-dose” children—those missing even the most basic vaccines. Inequalities, lingering COVID-19 disruptions, and increasing vaccine misinformation are contributing to uneven progress, according to the study led by researchers at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and supported by the Gates Foundation and Gavi.

A new comprehensive study published in The Lancet has sounded a worldwide alarm: after five decades of progress, childhood vaccination coverage is stagnating or even retreating, leaving millions of children increasingly vulnerable to deadly yet preventable diseases. The analysis, released this week and drawing on 50 years of country-level data, warns that the number of “zero-dose” children—those missing even the most basic vaccines—remains distressingly high, with global immunisation efforts hampered by growing inequalities, the lasting shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an upsurge in vaccine hesitancy and misinformation (Washington Post; The Lancet).

A major new study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has found a significant association between increased social media use and rising depression rates among young adolescents—a finding that is especially relevant as Thai families grapple with the impact of digital technology on youth mental health. The research, published this week and covered by KQED, tracked nearly 12,000 children and adolescents nationwide over several years and revealed that their social media usage rose sharply between the ages of 9 and 13, paralleled by a concerning 30% uptick in reported depressive symptoms during the same period.

A major study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) finds a significant link between growing social media use and rising depression among young adolescents. The findings are highly relevant for Thai families navigating the impact of digital technology on youth mental health. The research followed nearly 12,000 children and teenagers over several years and showed sharp increases in social media use between ages 9 and 13, coinciding with a 30% rise in reported depressive symptoms.

A leading psychologist who has dedicated his career to studying children and screen time has publicly reflected on his biggest parenting regret, offering a sobering lesson for families confronting the digital age. The revelation, which has sparked debate in parenting and education communities worldwide, comes as Thailand also grapples with rising concerns about youth mental health, digital device addiction, and the changing nature of childhood.

The psychologist—identified as a highly recognized professor and researcher on child development and digital media—shared that, despite years of expertise, his greatest regret as a parent is not instituting stricter boundaries around his own children’s use of smartphones and social media. This confession resonates with many Thai families, where smartphones have become central to daily life, education, and entertainment, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic and the shift to online learning. But why does this regret matter so much now, both globally and in Thailand?

A renowned child-development psychologist has publicly reflected on his biggest parenting regret, offering a timely lesson for Thai families navigating the digital era. The confession arrives amid growing concerns about youth mental health, device addiction, and the evolving nature of childhood in Thailand.

The expert—an esteemed professor and researcher in child development and digital media—admits that his greatest parenting regret was not enforcing firmer limits on his own children’s smartphone and social media use. His candid reflection resonates with many Thai households, where smartphones are integral to education, entertainment, and daily life, especially after the Covid-19 shift to online learning. The question now is what this personal lesson means for families here and around the world.