A recent May 15, 2025 piece from a leading Indian daily highlighted ten phrases that empower kids to defend themselves calmly and non-violently. The report is attracting attention in Asia, including Thailand, for offering research-backed language children can use to de-escalate bullying and seek help when needed.
Bullying remains a challenge in Thai schools, as it does globally. Data from Thailand’s health and education authorities indicate that a significant portion of secondary students experience some form of bullying, whether verbal, physical, or social exclusion. The emotional impact can be lasting, affecting mental health, academics, and self-worth. In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education emphasize the need for proactive strategies that combine communication skills with clear reporting paths. The latest study offers practical verbals that children can deploy to deflect harm, de-escalate tension, and escalate concerns to trusted adults.
Key phrases include: “Stop it. I don’t like that,” a direct boundary-setting line; “That’s not true, and you don’t get to treat me that way,” which reinforces self-respect; and “I’m walking away because I don’t like how you’re treating me,” demonstrating composure and control. Additional prompts such as “How would you feel if someone said that to you?” encourage empathy, while “If you keep doing this, I’ll talk to an adult I trust” signals a readiness to seek help. These expressions are chosen for age appropriateness and a focus on respectful, non-violent communication. The original article’s insights are adapted here to align with Thai school contexts and student needs.
Experts in child psychology stress that teaching assertive communication can reduce repeated encounters with bullying and help build lifelong resilience. A psychologist affiliated with a regional university notes that simple, clear responses can halt immediate harassment while affirming every child’s right to safety and respect. Thai educators also note the cultural nuance of kreng jai and group harmony; clear, respectful language supports these values by reducing conflict while preserving politeness.
Past Thai anti-bullying efforts have concentrated on bystander actions, teacher training, and peer counseling. The current approach encourages students to take an active role in their protection, complementing adult oversight. Education advocates urge the Ministry of Education to weave these practical phrases into homeroom conversations, counseling sessions, and broader anti-bullying policies. Schools can benefit from workshops that pair these statements with discussions on empathy, respect, and seeking help, echoing UNESCO Bangkok’s Whole School Approach to safe, inclusive learning environments.
Thai culture has long framed resilience through storytelling and community support. Classic tales depict protagonists using quiet firmness to overcome difficulty, a narrative thread that resonates with today’s emphasis on verbal self-advocacy. The rise of digital communication means many youths face online bullying as well; recent surveys show a notable share of teens report negative online experiences. Experts recommend adapting these phrases for online interactions, enabling children to respond firmly to mean messages and social-media pressures.
Looking ahead, integrating verbal self-defense into Thai classrooms could reduce bullying, improve mental health outcomes, and nurture a respectful learning climate. Advocates call for nationwide awareness campaigns and digital education modules, with parents playing a key role at home by practicing these phrases and supporting open dialogue about bullying.
Practical implementation ideas include role-play, guided discussions, and peer-support groups led by teachers and school counselors. Community health professionals can offer safe reporting channels for incidents, while parents are encouraged to rehearse the phrases with their children. An educational psychologist in Bangkok emphasizes that consistent, simple sentences can be transformative both in schoolyards and online.
In summary, this research underscores the power of practical language to safeguard children’s dignity and wellbeing. For immediate action, Thai families and schools are advised to familiarize themselves with these ten phrases, tailor them to local language and context, and foster open conversations whenever bullying occurs. Building environments where children know what to say and whom to approach can meaningfully enhance safety and self-esteem.