Department of Medical Services warns of rising bullying risks among children
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 post Department of Medical…
Bangkok — The Department of Medical Services has issued a warning about the rising severity and variety of bullying among Thai children, with schools identified as the primary setting for such behavior, according to the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. Dr Thanin Wechaphinan, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services, explained that bullying encompasses actions aimed at causing shame, hurt, or distress in others, driven by factors like psychological insecurity, personal complexes, family issues, or a desire for acceptance or control.
Bullying can take various forms, including physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying, each affecting children differently based on age and development stage. Warning signs include changes in behavior, reluctance to attend school, depression, and unhappiness. Parents are advised to maintain open communication with their children and spend quality time together to foster a safe environment for sharing experiences.
Early recognition of signs can prevent more severe consequences. Bullying evolves with age, with young children often experiencing physical bullying and teenagers facing issues related to personality, social status, and possessions. Cyberbullying also poses a significant threat, particularly to teenagers, who may spread false information, post unauthorized photos, or make abusive online comments.
The Personal Data Protection Act may be implicated in such cases. Parents should be vigilant about their children's online activities to safeguard their wellbeing. Society should collectively address the issue to protect both physical and mental health. Dr Akom Chaweewirawatthana, director of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, emphasized that anyone can be a victim of bullying, and everyone should take it seriously.
Experts recommend parents create a safe space for children, identifying bullying through behavioral changes, and employing open-ended questions to encourage disclosure. For younger children, teaching coping skills through age-appropriate materials and encouraging them to speak up to friends is crucial. Older children should be helped to seek assistance from teachers or parents and develop confidence in self-protection.
If the problem persists, seeking assistance from schools and mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, is advised. Parents can also contact the Department of Mental Health hotline at 1323 for further guidance.
Written by urgent.news from Khaosod English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
