New research shows that children who bully others share striking similarities with their peers who are bullied. Both groups face higher risks of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and challenges later in life. In Thailand, bullying happens in classrooms, online gaming communities, and even at home, highlighting its deep ties to education and mental health systems.
A Clemson University psychologist notes that traditional bullying and cyberbullying often overlap. The result is worse outcomes for all involved. Both bullies and victims can see lower academic performance, more absences, and increased thoughts of self-harm. The researcher describes this as bidirectional: mental health problems can fuel bullying, and involvement in bullying can worsen those problems, regardless of who initiates it.
Why does this matter for Thai families and schools? Bullying effects can persist for years, shaping workplace relationships and family dynamics. In Thailand’s emphasis on family harmony, new surveys indicate that many households experience bullying-like dynamics. This mirrors global patterns and underscores the need to address conflicts at home and in schools early on.
The digital dimension adds complexity. Boys tend to engage more in physical bullying, while girls may use indirect tactics like gossip or social exclusion. Online, patterns blur: gaming platforms and social networks can host repeated, sometimes anonymous harassment, making escape difficult. A psychologist from a digital-safety firm explains that online harassment heightens anxiety because there is often no safe space to retreat in real time.
Thai youths are highly connected online, making cyberbullying especially impactful locally. Many parents remain unsure about what constitutes online bullying or dismiss it as harmless teasing. The CEO of a leading digital-safety organization cautions against labeling a child as a bully based on assumptions, as early intervention hinges on accurate understanding. Intense online competition can fuel both bullying and victims’ efforts to improve performance to avoid abuse.
A growing challenge is underreporting. Some children do not recognize certain behaviors as bullying or fear losing access to digital communities. Many Thai parents also lack digital literacy to monitor online activity effectively, a concern echoed by researchers in both the United States and Thailand.
Experts recommend several strategies to combat both traditional and online bullying. Psychologists emphasize fostering a sense of mattering—ensuring children feel valued. Building belonging in schools and families can buffer against bullying and its long-term harms. Promoting school-wide inclusion can reduce perpetration over time.
Thai educators and policymakers are prioritizing the issue. National campaigns against school violence and cyberbullying encourage schools to establish reporting channels, peer-support networks, and programs focused on empathy, conflict resolution, and online etiquette. Global evidence supports multi-layer approaches that go beyond punishment.
Parents should watch for signals such as mood changes, reluctance to attend school, or shifts in online activity. However, excessive monitoring can backfire. Instead, experts advise keeping devices in communal spaces, sharing personal online experiences, and learning about both risks and opportunities in digital environments. In Thai households where families share responsibilities, open communication can offer strong protection.
Complete avoidance of online activities rarely works and can backfire by isolating children. Instead, parents should set balanced boundaries, educate themselves about digital platforms, and engage in their children’s interests. Gaming can teach teamwork and problem-solving; many universities now offer e-sports scholarships, and Thai institutions are creating e-sports clubs as digital literacy becomes central to education.
A comprehensive approach includes anti-bullying education in curricula, teacher training, and collaboration with mental health professionals to build resilience in families and students. Early digital citizenship education, trauma-informed school practices, and access to counseling have been shown to reduce bullying and support affected youths.
Thai culture’s emphasis on empathy and community can support anti-bullying efforts. Encouraging children to consider others’ feelings reinforces traditional values in the digital age. Shared mealtimes, family discussions, and community volunteering can strengthen the sense of belonging that protects against bullying.
Looking ahead, collaboration among parents, educators, government, and tech companies is essential as technology evolves. Digital tools that alert families to problematic behavior, school-based digital literacy instruction, and community support networks should be part of a coordinated strategy.
Action steps for Thai families and schools:
- Maintain open, supportive dialogue about online experiences.
- Stay informed about children’s digital activities and promote kindness in both real and virtual spaces.
- Engage in anti-bullying programs and community initiatives at schools.
If concerns arise, parents can seek guidance from mental health professionals and participate in school workshops on bullying prevention.