Parents debate curbing kids' social media time

As policymakers in Thailand consider measures to restrict children's social media access, mirroring actions in countries like Australia and the United Kingdom, parents are finding the real battleground is within their own homes. The increasing prevalence of smartphones and online games has become a constant source of conflict for many families.

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Games have their own communities. Kids chat with each other there.

Tippy, a mother of two teenage sons, described how the challenge evolved gradually. Initially, rules were in place for limited screen time when her children were young. However, she believes the problem truly began with online gaming, which created social spaces where children communicate. "Games have their own communities. Kids chat with each other there," she explained.

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We had rules, but eventually stopped using them. When I didn't have time to supervise my boys, I would just let them keep playing.

Like many working parents, Tippy found enforcing rules difficult. "We had rules, but eventually stopped using them," she admitted. "When I didn't have time to supervise my boys, I would just let them keep playing." While she believes parents bear the primary responsibility, she supports government regulation as a helpful framework. Her perspective shifted over time; initially concerned about her elder son's gaming, she later recognized educational benefits through YouTube and eventually relaxed restrictions, believing her son would find his own balance.

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I think it's good. At least having some kind of framework is helpful.

Her son once lost over 10,000 baht in digital items due to a scam, a situation they used as a learning experience. In contrast, Suchada, mother of a 12-year-old girl, emphasizes preparation. Her daughter only recently opened a social media account, having built boundaries and habits gradually from a young age. "Rules cannot suddenly be imposed on teenagers if there has never been any structure before," Suchada stated. The experiences highlight a national conversation about parental responsibility and the role of regulation as Thai children spend more time online.

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He was just playing games and screaming at the screen. I worried about what he would do with his life. He learns a lot now.