BANGKOK — Bullying is becoming more severe and taking increasingly diverse forms, with Thailand ranking among the countries most affected by the problem, according to the Department of Medical Services.
The department, through the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, said on 11 August that schools were the most common setting for bullying, with the behaviour having significant effects on children’s physical and psychological development.
Dr. Thanin Wechaphinan, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services, said bullying refers to behaviour intended to make another person feel ashamed, hurt or distressed, with perpetrators gaining satisfaction or enjoyment from the act.
He said bullying could stem from psychological insecurity, personal complexes, family and environmental problems, a desire for acceptance or control, or having previously been bullied themselves. Several factors can contribute to the behaviour, including internal psychological issues, the surrounding environment and a lack of emotional skills. Bullying can also recur.
Thanin said bullying can be divided into four main types: physical, verbal, social and cyberbullying.
All forms can affect children of different ages, particularly those still undergoing important stages of development. Children’s psychological resilience also varies from one individual to another.
While adults may view bullying as a minor problem, it can leave lasting emotional scars. Signs may include changes in behaviour, reluctance to attend school, depression and unhappiness.
Parents and guardians should regularly talk with their children and spend time with them so they feel safe and comfortable sharing their experiences. Recognising warning signs early can help parents intervene and reduce the risk of more serious problems in the future.
Bullying changes with age
Dr. Akom Chaweewirawatthana, director of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, said bullying could occur at any age, although its forms tend to vary with children’s development.
Young children commonly experience physical bullying, ranging from teasing and rough play to physical assault.
Verbal bullying is more common among children in primary school, including mocking parents’ names, appearance, skin colour or personal insecurities.
Among teenagers, who are developing their identities, bullying often concerns personality, social status, values and possessions. Social bullying can also involve excluding someone from a peer group or spreading rumours intended to humiliate them.
Cyberbullying is another major concern among teenagers. It can include spreading false information, posting photographs or videos without permission, and making abusive comments online.
Such behaviour can harm victims and may also violate Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act, Akom said.
Parents should therefore pay particular attention to their children’s online activities. Bullying is not solely a problem affecting children, he said, adding that anyone can become a victim and society should take the issue seriously to protect children’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Parents urged to create safe space for children
Dr. Sirirat Ularatinont, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, said parents could identify whether a child was being bullied by watching for changes in everyday behaviour, talking with the child and spending time together as a family.
Children who are being bullied may be reluctant to talk about what happened, appear anxious or be threatened by others not to tell anyone.
Parents should use open-ended, non-leading questions to create a safe environment in which children feel confident enough to speak about what they are experiencing. They should listen carefully, ask how the child feels and praise them for having the courage to share difficult experiences.
For younger children, parents can teach coping skills through age-appropriate materials such as storybooks. Children should be encouraged to tell friends when their behaviour makes them uncomfortable, as friends may not always intend to cause harm.
If bullying continues, children should be taught to seek help from teachers or parents, avoid risky situations, find supportive friends and develop confidence in their ability to protect themselves.
For older children, parents should maintain regular communication and monitor their wellbeing, while offering help when needed and working together to find constructive solutions.
If a bullying problem cannot be resolved within the family, parents should work with schools and specialists, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, to develop a structured support plan and prevent the situation from escalating.
Parents and children can also seek advice from the Department of Mental Health hotline at 1323.