On August 22, 2026, Nasan Subdistrict Municipality Kindergarten, Phra Phrom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, invited four faculty members from the Early Childhood Education Program, School of Education, Walailak University, to serve as guest speakers for the “Caring Parents, Screen-Free Children” program. The speakers were Associate Professor Dr. Walaiporn Mektrirat, Assistant Professor Boonthai Charoenphon, Assistant Professor Dr. Suttipun Teerapong, and Dr. Nitithorn Pilavas.

The program aimed to share knowledge and practical approaches to promoting early childhood development while helping parents better understand appropriate ways to support young children in the digital age.

The training was conducted as a hands-on workshop using an Active Learning approach. Parents and young children were encouraged to learn through direct participation and enjoyable activities designed to strengthen interaction between family members. Participants also explored practical activities that could be adapted and used at home to create meaningful quality time between children, parents, and caregivers.

A key objective of the program was to provide families with alternatives to excessive use of smartphones and other screen-based devices among young children. Through play, conversation, creative activities, and shared experiences, parents learned how everyday interactions can become valuable opportunities for children to explore, communicate, and develop through real-world experiences.

The workshop also emphasized the importance of consistent interaction between parents and children. Talking, playing, and participating in activities together not only provide alternatives to screen time but also contribute to balanced development across four key areas: physical development, emotional and psychological development, social development, and intellectual development. Such interactions can also strengthen positive relationships and emotional bonds within families.

The Early Childhood Education Program also provided two second-year students, Ms. Parima Masuk and Ms. Atitaya Thongchuay, with an opportunity to participate as assistant facilitators. Their involvement allowed them to apply classroom knowledge in an authentic setting while developing skills in communication, activity facilitation, teamwork, and engagement with faculty members, parents, and young children.

The experience also contributed to the students’ professional preparation by allowing them to observe and participate directly in educational activities involving families and communities, strengthening competencies that will be valuable in their future teaching careers.

The workshop was successfully conducted and achieved the objectives established by Nasan Subdistrict Municipality Kindergarten. The activity demonstrates the School of Education, Walailak University’s commitment to extending academic expertise to the community and strengthening collaboration among educational institutions, families, and higher education.

Through such cooperation, the School aims to contribute to creating supportive learning environments that enable young children to grow, learn, and develop appropriately while helping families respond effectively to the opportunities and challenges of childhood in the digital age.