Thai teens have been battling mental health problems as a result of cyberbullying, experts say, at the cost of their own progression into adulthood and general well-being.
Nattharat: Digital resilience is crucial
A recent forum hosted by the Mahidol Center for Health, Behaviour and Society (MUHBS), in partnership with the National Research Council of Thailand, discussed cyberbullying and the best approach to help young adults manage this challenge.
Associate Prof Suchada Thaweesit of Mahidol University said MUHBS researchers began collecting data on cyberbullying in 2010. It found 59% of Thai youths have engaged in bullying behaviour.
The institute has also launched initiatives to tackle bullying, targeting both victims and perpetrators, as well as peers, and providing channels to help them manage the challenges.
Researchers have worked with many schools in Thailand. At single-sex schools, issues related to materialism and personal appearance are more prominent.
LGBTQ-related bullies, meanwhile, are not much of an issue, according to the research, because “there is more familiarity to that kind of relationship”, said one student.
“On social media, couples post activities to announce their relationship status. Boys are usually bullied over relationships after break-ups. Those without a relationship tend to avoid getting involved in one because they don’t want to become the targets themselves,” said Kitteerat Sahakhun, a student at Assumption College.
Online remedies
Santirat School, meanwhile, has introduced an online portal serving as a hub for solutions. “Many victims receive support there. Encouragement from friends also helps them overcome their dilemmas,” said student Waista Khuankaew.
Addressing the creation of a peaceful school environment, Srida Tantaatipanit, a committee member of the Thai Internet Foundation for Development, emphasised the role of teachers and schools in reducing cyberbullying.
“Adults, particularly parents and teachers, often fail to understand the realities of the digital world. Teachers and school counselling teams should be trained in legal knowledge, rather than telling victims to fight back or ignore the problem. Confidentiality for victims and reporting peers is essential,” she said.
As a father of two teen children, Tinnakrit Charasmettakun said parents should initiate a conversation. “By nature, teens keep themselves private. Parents have to find ways to start a conversation rather than waiting for them to talk. Strong bonds developed in early childhood will keep family relationships strong and secure.”
AVAILABLE MEASURES
Experts agree cyberbullying can occur beyond school years and that broader national-level prevention and control measures are needed.
Nattha Pinnadda Vasantasinha, a party-list candidate from the Democrat Party, said cyberbullying among youth is included in the party’s “No Poverty” campaign which includes policy focusing on the physical and mental health of students and teachers.
“An AI early-warning system and CCTV would identify bullying before it escalates into violence. We also plan to launch ‘My Police’ and add features to the Pao Tang platform to allow victims — particularly students — to file immediate complaints, including cases of sexual harassment. Stronger law enforcement will be pursued to improve effectiveness,” she said.
Kanasit Puangampa, an MP candidate from the People’s Party, said mental health is a policy priority.
“Every school and community healthcare centre should provide psychiatric therapy to help students navigate problems professionally. ‘Green spaces’ in schools should also be provided to enhance safety,” she said. “As online hate speech is widespread, students are entitled to mental health support. We are only human, and not everyone is strong enough to endure these pressures alone.”
MUHBS researcher Nattharat Samoh proposed an online platform called “Shield Cyber Café”, a safe space where students can voice their concerns and receive support from a network of professionals.
RECOVERY PROCESS
Mr Nattharat said digital resilience is crucial, but it is up to each school to come up with the best way to establish this, while research can provide a theoretical backup. “Through our research and experiments, we found that each type of school has a unique context. Hearing from students helps create practical solutions. We guide them through design thinking to develop those solutions,” he said.
Influencer Judy Charukitt Srisawat has had more than a fair share of cyberbullying, but he said support in the offline world and recognising one’s own strength play a crucial role in developing his mental resilience.
“Not everyone is confident or strong. Having struggled throughout my childhood, it was difficult to recognise my own strength. I overcame bullying over my appearance by taking pride in my roots, focusing on my studies, and finding a platform to express my potential.”
A student from Sarasas School said, “Revenge never works. It only turns the anger inwards and ultimately defeats you as a human being.”
