The Ministry of Education is preparing to introduce regulations on students’ screen time and online content usage to protect their learning ability.
The announcement comes just days after it revealed plan 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.
