#ScreenAddiction

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 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?