A growing body of research suggests that children who bully others share more similarities with their victims than commonly thought, with both groups facing heightened risks of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even future difficulties in adulthood. This pattern also holds true in Thailand, where bullying—whether in the classroom, online gaming communities, or even at home—remains a persistent challenge, deeply intertwined with the nation’s education and mental health systems.
The latest findings highlighted by a Clemson University psychology professor reveal that traditional bullying (physical or verbal aggression in person) and cyberbullying (harassment via digital platforms) often overlap, amplifying the negative outcomes for all children involved. Both bullies and victims are more likely to suffer poor academic performance, increased absenteeism, and, alarmingly, higher rates of suicidal thoughts. “It’s bidirectional,” reports the Clemson researcher, who explains that a child’s mental health troubles both set the stage for bullying behavior and are worsened by involvement in bullying, no matter the role (Deseret News).
Why is this so significant for Thai parents and educators? Bullying’s effects can endure for years, seeping into workplace relationships and family dynamics later in life. In Thailand, where close family ties and societal harmony are prized, new studies indicate that up to 80% of siblings have experienced bullying at home. This mirrors global trends and highlights the urgent need to address familial and peer conflicts before they escalate (UNICEF Thailand).
The digital dimension of bullying is particularly complex. While boys are more likely to engage in physical bullying, girls often use indirect strategies like gossip or social exclusion. Online, however, these patterns blur: gaming platforms and social media are rife with repeated targeting, sometimes anonymous, making it nearly impossible for children to escape harassment. “It makes kids more anxious because they can’t escape it. In person, you can go home,” notes a psychologist from Kidas, a firm specializing in online safety for young gamers.
Thai youth are avid gamers and digital natives, with a large portion of social interaction taking place online. As a result, cyberbullying can have particularly acute effects locally. Many Thai parents, however, remain unaware of what constitutes bullying behavior online or may dismiss it as harmless “teasing” or gaming “trash talk.” Kidas’ CEO warns that denying a child’s potential to bully due to assumptions about their character can prevent timely intervention. Intense competition in online games commonly fuels both bullying and the desire for victims to “get better at the game” to avoid future abuse.
A crucial challenge is that children rarely report being bullied, particularly online. Some may not recognize bullying behavior or fear losing access to the digital communities where the abuse occurs. Further complicating matters, many parents lack the digital literacy to monitor or support their children effectively online, a trend reflected in both US and Thai research (Bangkok Post).
There are strategies that experts recommend to address both traditional and cyberbullying. Psychologists stress the importance of “psychological mattering”—helping children feel they are valued and seen. Promoting a sense of belonging in schools and families can act as a buffer against both bullying and long-term psychological harm. “If we can do more to promote mattering within the school system, then… we can go a long way toward reducing the frequency with which people perpetrate it,” says the Clemson professor.
Thai educators and policy-makers have increasingly recognized the urgency of the problem. National campaigns against school violence and cyberbullying have been rolled out, with schools urged to create reporting systems, peer-support networks, and education programs that address empathy, conflict resolution, and online etiquette. International evidence suggests these multi-level approaches are more effective than punitive measures alone (UNESCO Asia-Pacific Report on School Violence).
Recognizing signs of bullying—such as sudden changes in mood, reluctance to go to school, or shifts in online activity—is a vital first step for parents. Still, overzealous monitoring (dubbed “snoopervision” by youth focus groups) can backfire, damaging trust and sometimes driving negative behaviors underground. Instead, psychologists recommend that parents keep devices in common areas, openly discuss their own experiences online, and work to understand both the dangers and opportunities in online spaces. In Thailand, where generations often share homes and responsibilities, creating healthy boundaries and open communication can have a particularly strong protective effect.
Experts emphasize that banning children from online activities altogether is rarely effective and can inadvertently isolate them further. Instead, parents are encouraged to set appropriate boundaries, educate themselves about digital platforms, and participate in their children’s interests. Gaming, for instance, can foster teamwork and problem-solving skills; over 800 universities worldwide now offer e-sports scholarships, and major educational institutions in Thailand are integrating “e-sports” clubs, reflecting the growing importance of digital literacy in education (Thai PBS World).
The path forward involves integrating comprehensive anti-bullying education into school curricula, equipping teachers with up-to-date resources, and collaborating with mental health professionals to build resilience in both children and families. Bolstering digital citizenship and safety education from an early age, and encouraging teachers and school counselors to take a trauma-sensitive approach, has been shown to reduce bullying behavior and support affected students (PubMed study).
Thailand’s Buddhist values, which emphasize empathy and community harmony, are powerful cultural assets. Encouraging children to consider the feelings and dignity of others can reinforce these traditional values in the digital age. Family rituals—sharing meals, discussing daily experiences, participating in charitable activities—can reinforce the sense of “mattering” that psychologists highlight as critical to preventing and healing from bullying.
Looking ahead, as technology continues to evolve, new forms of digital interaction will introduce both risks and opportunities. Increasing collaboration between parents, educators, government, and tech companies is essential. Platforms that alert parents to problematic behavior (like those offered by Kidas), school-based digital literacy programs, and community support groups are all parts of a coordinated solution.
For Thai parents and educators, the actionable steps are clear: maintain open, supportive dialogue with children; stay informed about their digital experiences; promote kindness and empathy in both real and virtual environments; and actively participate in anti-bullying initiatives at school and within the community. By fostering an environment where children feel valued, seen, and supported, Thailand can help break the cycle of bullying—online and offline—and empower the next generation for success in a rapidly changing world.
For more information and resources, parents can consult Childline Thailand, attend school workshops on bullying prevention, and seek support from mental health professionals if their child is showing signs of anxiety, depression, or other after-effects of bullying.