Thailand is again studying whether to introduce a law barring children under the age of 16 from using social media, in a move aimed at reducing excessive screen time among young users. The proposal could lead to tighter regulation of platform access for minors if implemented.
Get today's headlines by email 
The idea was raised by Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri on 21 June in his role as chairman of the board of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, known as ThaiHealth. He cited foundation data showing that more than 93 percent of Thai people use the internet, with an average daily online time of 7 hours and 54 minutes. ThaiHealth also reported that among children aged 0 to 2, about 72.6 percent have more than one hour of screen time per day, a level it warns may affect learning, communication and age-appropriate development.
ThaiHealth highlighted wider risks for children and young people online, including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, online gambling and exposure to advertising that encourages risky behaviour such as vaping. The agency said these risks can negatively affect mental health, increase stress and anxiety, and shape daily habits, potentially contributing to broader social issues over time.
The foundation said it will examine the impact and feasibility of measures to limit how children and teenagers use online media, drawing on international examples. It specifically pointed to Australia, which has introduced a ban on social media use for under-16s and imposed penalties on platforms that fail to properly screen child users.
ThaiHealth is also working with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to strengthen protections for children online. This includes developing policy, monitoring illegal websites, improving systems for reporting harmful content, and encouraging more positive and creative use of technology. The programme focuses on four areas: strengthening media and digital literacy, developing learning tools, running campaigns to promote healthy media habits, and building cooperation between government, business and civil society.
Child health specialists cited by ThaiHealth recommend that parents set screen time limits appropriate to a child’s age, encourage physical activity and play, and promote shared family learning. They stress that balanced development across physical, emotional, social and intellectual areas is important, and that building digital resilience from early childhood is key to protecting young people from online harm.
Picture courtesy of The Thaiger
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now The Thaiger 24 June 2026