The Ministry of Education is preparing to introduce regulations governing students’ screen time and online content usage in order to protect their learning ability.
The announcement comes just days after it revealed an initiative to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help teachers produce short educational videos for TikTok, drawing criticism about promoting even more use of social media.
Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said on Tuesday that exposure to extended screen time, short videos and fast-moving pictures had impacts on the concentration, in-depth learning ability and development of children, adding that many teachers and parents were concerned about the issue.
He said that within two weeks, the ministry would introduce screen time guidelines for children of different ages. Within three months, all schools must have rules on mobile phone use and communicate the rules to parents effectively.
In three to six months, children considered to be at high risk will be monitored and mental health services will be provided to those who need it. As well, there will be materials to educate parents about the issue.
In six to 12 months, the ministry aims to offer projects to promote AI literacy and dissemination of knowledge about media impact to protect children.
“Many Thai children start to use social media at young ages and spend more time staring at screens. They are exposed to online risks to an unexpectedly high degree,” Mr Prasert said.
He added that studies in countries such as Australia, Britain, Sweden and countries in the European Union concluded that children must be protected from screens while their brains are developing, and that they need digital skills and knowledge about the use of AI, the minister said.
“Today Thai children have easier access to violent and pornographic content and can be exposed to scams. The ministry plans age verification and ‘safe mode’ systems for young people,” he said.
Commenting earlier on the TikTok initiative, a ministry spokesperson said earlier that it was not encouraging children to spend more time on social media, but instead wanted students to develop digital and AI literacy in a safe and appropriate way.
