A recent article published on May 15, 2025, by the Times of India (“10 phrases that will help a kid stand up for themselves against bullies”) is causing a stir in education and parenting circles throughout Asia, including Thailand. The article highlights practical, research-backed language that children can use to assertively defend themselves when faced with bullying—a critical issue in Thai schools and society. Experts believe adopting these concise, respectful phrases could equip Thai youth with vital confidence-building tools, potentially improving school climate and wellbeing for thousands across the Kingdom.
Bullying remains a persistent challenge in Thai educational settings, as in many countries worldwide. Studies by Thai health and education authorities show that more than 30% of Thai secondary school students report being bullied in some form, whether verbal, physical, or social exclusion. The emotional toll can be severe, with long-term impacts on mental health, academic performance, and self-esteem, according to data from the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education (Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Education). This latest research offers actionable verbal strategies children can use to deflect, de-escalate, and report bullying, encouraging early intervention and self-advocacy.
Among the key phrases identified are: “Stop it. I don’t like that,” a clear and firm request to set a personal boundary; “That’s not true, and you don’t get to treat me that way,” which asserts self-respect; and “I’m walking away because I don’t like how you’re treating me,” demonstrating emotional strength and control of the situation. Other phrases, such as “How would you feel if someone said that to you?” invite empathy from the aggressor, while “If you keep doing this, I’ll talk to an adult I trust” signals the child’s readiness to seek help. Each expression is designed for ease of use by children of varying ages and emphasizes direct communication, self-respect, and non-violence (Times of India).
International child psychologists emphasize the importance of such strategies. Experts point out that teaching children assertive communication reduces the likelihood of repeated victimization and cultivates essential life skills. As noted by a psychologist affiliated with an international university in Singapore, “Simple, assertive responses not only halt the immediate behavior but encourage children to recognize their right to respect and safety” (APA). Local educational administrators further highlight that in the Thai cultural context—where issues of kreng jai (deference) and group harmony are highly valued—having clear, respectful language is even more crucial. According to a Bangkok-based school counsellor, “Empowering students with these phrases gives them agency while honoring Thai values of politeness and conflict avoidance.”
Past anti-bullying campaigns in Thailand have focused on bystander interventions, teacher training, and peer counseling. However, curriculum integration of self-defense communication—especially with simple, memorable phrases—remains limited. The present research reflects a shift towards empowering individual students to participate actively in their own protection, rather than relying solely on adults or authority figures. Educational advocates in Thailand are now urging the Ministry of Education to incorporate these practical tools into homeroom lessons, counseling sessions, and even national anti-bullying policies. School administrators might benefit from workshops that explicitly teach these assertive statements alongside discussions of empathy, respect, and seeking help from trusted adults, an approach aligned with the “Whole School Approach” recommended by the UNESCO Bangkok Office (UNESCO Bangkok).
Bullying in Thailand is not a new problem. Thai folktales and literature often address themes of exclusion, teasing, and resilience. An example can be seen in classic stories, where protagonists use wit and gentle firmness to overcome adversity—a narrative parallel to the proposed phrases of today. Yet, the increasing digitalization of Thai youth has led to a sharp rise in cyberbullying, with nearly 20% of Thai teens now reporting negative online experiences, according to surveys by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA). Experts suggest that these assertive communication techniques can be adapted to online interactions, helping children respond assertively to mean messages and social media threats.
Looking forward, the integration of verbal self-defense into Thai school culture could yield long-term benefits, including reduced bullying rates, better mental health outcomes, and a more respectful learning environment. Some advocacy groups are calling for nationwide awareness campaigns and digital education modules to spread the message widely. Researchers also note the importance of parental involvement. Parents can practice these responses at home, ensuring children feel comfortable using them at school or online. This is especially vital given the recent focus on student self-esteem and mental wellbeing in national education reforms (Bangkok Post).
In practical terms, teachers and school counselors across Thailand are encouraged to use role-play scenarios, discussions, and peer support groups to reinforce the use of such phrases. Community leaders and health professionals may also play a role by providing safe, confidential reporting mechanisms for bullying incidents. For parents, it means opening a dialogue about bullying, listening without judgement, and rehearsing these assertive responses together. As a Bangkok-based educational psychologist explains, “Small sentences, consistently practiced, can be transformative—both in schoolyards and online.”
In conclusion, the new research underlines that practical language empowers children to protect their dignity and wellbeing—a lesson highly relevant to Thai families and schools. For immediate action, Thai parents and teachers are recommended to familiarize themselves and their children with these ten simple phrases, adapt them to fit local context and language, and encourage open communication whenever bullying occurs. Creating supportive environments where children know what to say and who to turn to can make the crucial difference in their safety and self-esteem.
Sources: Times of India, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Education, UNESCO Bangkok, APA, ETDA, Bangkok Post.