#ScreenTime

Global pop icon Rihanna has spoken candidly about how the legacy of her late father has fundamentally shaped her approach to raising her young children, offering insight into the profound influence familial bonds and childhood experiences have on parenting decisions. The singer, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be mother of three shared that her father’s recent passing in May at age 70 not only marked an emotional chapter in her life but also sparked reflection on the values she seeks to pass down to her sons—RZA, age three, Riot, nearly two, and a third child on the way with partner A$AP Rocky.

As the annual debate over how children should spend their lengthy school holidays reignites, a recent viral essay by an American mother has sparked conversation about the virtue—and potential pitfalls—of letting kids sleep late, use screens, and simply do nothing all summer. The article, published on July 13, 2025, by Business Insider, describes a parent intentionally allowing her children the freedom to enjoy “lazy days” reminiscent of 1980s summers: sleeping in, relaxing at home, and engaging in unstructured leisure, often involving digital devices. This parenting decision, while resonant for many, raises important questions about the effects of unrestricted sleep, screen use, and downtime on children’s health, social development, and academic readiness—concerns that resonate with Thai families as school and community routines transform during the long summer break.

As concerns about children’s mental health and screen dependency rise globally, the call to “rewild” children—allowing them to spend summer away from smartphones—has become a powerful trend. Drawing inspiration from recent recommendations by the Raising the Nation Play Commission in the UK, new evidence suggests that a phone-free summer might not only curb digital overuse but also foster resilience, happiness, and social skills in young people. This movement comes at a crucial time as research and parent anecdotes paint a portrait of a generation described as “sedentary, scrolling and alone,” with smartphone use implicated in declining childhood wellbeing (The Times).

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?

As mobile device usage soars across Thailand, millions are experiencing the stiff, aching discomfort known as “tech neck”: pain and tightness in the neck and upper back caused by prolonged hunching over screens. Recent research and expert insights highlight that the cause is not the posture itself, but the number of hours spent in that position—and new evidence-based exercise routines offer hope for relief to digital natives and office workers alike (NYTimes, 2025).

A major new study has found that teenagers who report addictive patterns of using social media, mobile phones, or video games are at up to triple the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their peers, reigniting ongoing debate about the mental health impacts of digital technology. The research, published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), is among the first to track young people over several years, specifically examining the relationship between compulsive screen use and suicidality rather than looking only at overall time spent online (The Guardian, NPR, The New York Times, Neuroscience News).

A wave of new research warns that children who report “addictive” behaviour patterns with their online activities—including social media, mobile phones, and video games—face significantly greater risks for mental health problems than peers who engage less compulsively. A landmark 2025 study, previously highlighted in the Financial Times, demonstrates that the danger is not simply about the total hours spent online, but rather how compulsive or addictive a young person’s engagement has become, dramatically altering the conversation around digital wellbeing and youth mental health.

A leading developmental psychologist is cautioning parents and grandparents worldwide—including in Thailand—against giving young children overly stimulating electronic toys, warning that such items may hamper creativity, emotional regulation, and healthy cognitive growth. The expert’s advice, which recently gained renewed attention in a widely discussed article published on Parade, spotlights growing concerns about the long-term effects of high-tech toys on early development, and encourages a return to more traditional, open-ended forms of play (Yahoo/Parade article).

A sweeping new analysis is sounding the alarm over children’s growing dependence on digital devices as their primary way to handle difficult emotions—a habit with far-reaching consequences for mental health and development. Dubbed the age of the “digital pacifier,” researchers warn that screens aren’t just a symptom of modern life but a central piece of a self-defeating cycle among kids around the world, including in Thailand, where daily screen time continues to trend upward. The findings, released in the journal Psychological Bulletin and summarized in recent reports such as StudyFinds.org, urge families and educators to rethink the role of screens in children’s emotional lives, especially as global averages climb above healthy limits and more Thai children access devices at unprecedented rates.

Children in preteen years who regularly dine with family and spend quality time with parents enjoy longer, healthier sleep than peers caught up in family conflict or glued to screens, according to groundbreaking research presented at the SLEEP 2025 annual meeting. The findings, revealed in a study conducted by a team led by a postdoctoral researcher at SRI International in Menlo Park, California, shine a spotlight on how family dynamics and parental involvement can work as powerful levers to boost sleep health in Thai children aged 9 to 11—a critical stage for growth and development (Neuroscience News).

A new wave of research is sounding the alarm for parents, educators, and policymakers as a groundbreaking study published in June details how excessive screen time, coupled with low physical activity, is strongly associated with heightened stress and depressive symptoms among adolescents. This study, highlighted in PsyPost, brings fresh evidence to the ongoing debate over youth digital habits and their mental health in an era where smartphones and social media are nearly ubiquitous, especially in Thailand’s school-age population.

A leading psychologist who studies children and digital screens has stepped forward with a deeply personal revelation: despite his expertise, his greatest regret as a parent was not doing more to limit his own children’s screen time. This admission, based on the latest research and expert reflection, is sparking vital discussions among Thai families and educators concerned about the growing influence of smartphones and digital devices on the next generation. The issue resonates across borders, but carries unique urgency in Thailand, where digital adoption among youth is surging and parents struggle to navigate the rapidly changing landscape Inc.com, MSN.

Millennial parents are facing parenting pressures and challenges more complex—if not downright unimaginable—than those experienced by earlier generations, according to new research and real-life accounts. From the insistence of “always-on” work culture to soaring living costs, a childhood defined by digital immersion, and a barrage of social expectations, the millennial parenting experience is rewriting what it means to raise children in the 21st century. The implications are profound—not just for families, but also for schools, community institutions, and Thai society navigating rapidly shifting social norms.

The use of screens to entertain children in public spaces, particularly restaurants, is sparking fresh debate among parents and experts, as new research sheds light on the nuanced role of digital devices in family life. A widely-shared recent opinion article—“I let my children watch screens in restaurants – don’t lecture me if you don’t have kids”—has ignited conversations both online and offline, reflecting shifting attitudes and growing scientific interest in how screens are woven into everyday parenting choices, especially in situations that call for calm and cooperation.

A groundbreaking new study has found that preschool children’s brains respond differently when stories are shared through live book reading versus on a screen, suggesting that how children experience stories may impact key aspects of their social and cognitive development. The research, published in the journal Developmental Science, used advanced neuroimaging technology to observe children’s brain activity during both types of storytelling—a live reading from a book and a recorded story paired with images on a screen (PsyPost).

A new survey from Pew Research Center sheds fresh light on the evolving relationship between teenagers, social media, and mental health—revealing a complex mix of concern, ambivalence, and growing skepticism among youth and their parents. As Thai families navigate similar digital landscapes and mental health challenges, understanding these new findings can provide important context, guidance, and food for thought.

The recent Pew study, conducted between September and October 2024, surveyed 1,391 teenagers aged 13-17 and their parents in the United States. It found that concerns about youth mental health continue to rise, with both parents and teens increasingly linking these worries to the pervasive presence of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The findings are particularly relevant for Thailand, where internet and social media penetration among teens is among the highest in Southeast Asia, and public debate has intensified over the psychological well-being of digital natives (see: Pew Research Center).

In a fast-changing digital landscape, Thai parents face unprecedented challenges—some of which may come as a shock. As children grow up surrounded by screens, social media, and a seemingly endless cycle of online stimulation, their developing brains and emotional wellbeing may be at higher risk than previously understood. Recent research and global headlines underscore the importance of understanding the profound ways that technology is reshaping childhood—and what every parent needs to act on before it’s too late.

A growing body of research, highlighted in a new report by NPR, reveals that retraining your brain to crave movement instead of scrolling social media is possible—and may be essential for long-term mental and physical health. This article, based on insights from clinical psychologist and movement specialist authors of the book “I Know I Should Exercise But…”, dives into their latest recommendations for breaking the scrolling cycle and embracing more active habits—a message with powerful implications for Thais grappling with lifestyle changes in the digital era (NPR, 2025).

A fresh wave of research and practical advice is emerging for those hoping to swap the comfort of phone scrolling for the energizing benefits of physical movement—a trend with urgent relevance for Thais of all ages as smartphone use, sedentary work and study, and stressful news cycles become daily realities. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Diana Hill and movement specialist Katy Bowman, co-authors of “I Know I Should Exercise But… 44 Reasons We Don’t Move and How to Get Over Them,” habitual screen use—especially when we’re stressed or tired—can subtly trap us in cycles of fleeting dopamine rewards, leaving us craving ever more screen time and less inclined to break out for a walk, a stretch, or a dance session. But their message, backed by findings in neuroscience and behavioral therapy, is hopeful: with practice and a few novel strategies, it is possible to retrain your brain to yearn for movement instead of another scroll through Facebook or TikTok (full report: KCBX/NPR).

The pervasive presence of digital screens in the lives of adolescents is increasingly seen as a contributing factor to sleep disruptions and rising depression rates, particularly among teenage girls. A recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health by researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden delves into these associations, emphasizing that reducing screen time could alleviate mental health issues in young people.

The research tracked over 4,810 Swedish teenagers, aged between 12 and 16, over a one-year period. The study meticulously documented their screen usage, sleep patterns, and depressive symptoms. The findings were clear: increased screen time was linked to poorer sleep quality and timing, which in turn predicted depressive symptoms.

In a digital landscape where screens feature prominently from classrooms to bedrooms, increased screen time among teen girls has ignited concerns over depressive symptoms. A recent study highlights the growing connection between prolonged screen exposure and emotional turmoil, creating an urgent need for interventions tailored to Thai adolescents.

As teens submerge themselves in social media, streaming platforms, and online classes, the potential for cyberbullying intensifies. Teen girls, in particular, report higher incidences of online harassment, delivering adverse emotional impacts. Furthermore, late-night scrolling disrupts sleep patterns crucial for mood regulation. The lure of screens often sidetracks physical activity, an essential factor for maintaining happiness and energy.

In an era where screens dominate everyday life, recent research has raised alarms about the mental health implications of prolonged screen exposure among teenagers, particularly girls. This concern is highly relevant for Thai families navigating the complexities of a digitally connected world. The study highlighted by Tanya Srivastava emphasizes a concerning link between increased screen time and the rise of depressive symptoms in young girls. As digital activities expand from schoolwork to social media and entertainment platforms, understanding these impacts is vital for the well-being of our youth.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens, new research from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden sheds light on the concerning interplay between screen time, sleep disruption, and rising depression rates among teenagers. Published recently in PLOS Global Public Health, the study underscores the critical need for stakeholders, including parents and educators, to tackle this growing issue with urgency.

The study analyzed data from over 4,800 adolescents, aged 12 to 16, tracking their screen use, sleep habits, and mental health symptoms over one year. It discovered that excessive screen time significantly compromises both the quality and duration of sleep, which in turn elevates depression risk, notably among young girls. For boys, the link between screen use and depression was more straightforward, while for girls, disrupted sleep was the pivotal factor connecting screen exposure to mood disorders.

A recent study has captured widespread attention by highlighting the significant impact of using screens before bedtime on sleep quality. According to the study, engaging in screen time before bed can increase your risk of insomnia by an alarming 59% while also reducing overall sleep time by approximately 24 minutes. These findings emphasize the urgent need for awareness regarding nighttime habits that could be subtly undermining sleep health.

This research is particularly relevant as the global population becomes increasingly dependent on digital devices for both work and leisure. In Thailand, the widespread usage of smartphones and tablets, especially among the younger generation, aligns with global trends. However, this study’s findings are a reminder of the potential consequences of such habits, sparking concerns that might resonate with tech-savvy Thais who have embraced digital lifestyles extensively.