#Digital

A new UK law requiring age verification on pornography sites aims to shield minors, but safety experts warn it may push curious teens toward riskier corners of the internet. Critics say stricter checks could drive youth to smaller sites with fewer safeguards, potentially increasing exposure to criminal exploitation and harmful content. As policymakers and parents debate how to protect children while recognizing young people’s online realities, the discussion has gained global relevance, including for Thailand.

Online chatter about mental health often spreads faster than solid guidance, especially among Thai youths who dominate digital spaces. This piece explains why myths endure, the risks they pose, and practical steps to stay informed and safe.

Social platforms have transformed how Thais discuss mental health. Communities offer crucial support and help reduce stigma in areas with uneven access to care. Yet sharing is easy, and uncredentialed voices can appear authoritative. A recent PBS NewsHour feature highlighted how viral content travels “like wildfire,” underscoring the harm from unverified claims.

A new Eurostat release from July 2025 shows daily online activity is nearly universal among young Europeans. Ninety-seven percent of people aged 16–29 in the EU now use the internet every day, up from 87% ten years ago. The shift underscores how digital life has become central to education, work, and culture, and it provides a reference point for Thailand’s own digital transformation.

For Thai policymakers and educators, the data emphasize the internet’s role in shaping youth development. Daily connectivity is now an expectation rather than a luxury, particularly in urban areas. Overall EU internet use has climbed from 63% in 2014 to 88% today, illustrating a new norm of digital engagement that Thailand is approaching, though rural communities still face gaps.