#Technology

A groundbreaking eight-year study from Finland has revealed that early childhood screen time is significantly linked to increased levels of stress and depressive symptoms among teenagers. Published in JAMA Network Open, this research is crucial for parents in Thailand and across the globe as it underscores the importance of managing digital device usage during critical developmental years source.

The study follows the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) cohort, involving 187 children tracked from ages 6 to 9 up to their teenage years. It highlights that children who logged more hours on phones and tablets tended to face more severe mental health challenges in adolescence. With mental health issues in teens becoming more prevalent, particularly with symptoms typically emerging during these years, the findings are a wake-up call for those raising the future generation.

In recent scientific developments, night owls—people who naturally stay up late—have been found to have an elevated risk of depression compared to their early-rising counterparts. According to a study published in March 2025, factors such as sleep quality, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle choices play significant roles in this increased risk. This emerging research holds particular relevance for Thailand, where the impact of urban lifestyles and technological engagement contributes to shifting sleep patterns.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers employing virtual reality (VR) and functional MRI have unveiled distinct neural communication patterns in children with ADHD, diverging significantly from traditional methods that focus on resting brain states. Conducted by a collaboration of European universities, including Aalto University, the research underscores the potential of dynamic diagnostic methods and gamified tools in transforming ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, remains a prevalent condition affecting many Thai children, characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Current diagnostic practices often rely on static brain imaging, which fails to capture the nuances of how these symptoms manifest in real-world interactions. This study marks a significant pivot towards understanding ADHD as an active neurodevelopmental disorder, where the brain’s interaction with the environment becomes a crucial diagnostic element.