Mother outraged after seeing son bullied at Thai school

Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of Sanook

A mother intervened after witnessing her child being bullied at school, eventually deciding to transfer the child to a different class. Despite seeking help from teachers, the situation did not improve, highlighting ongoing concerns about bullying in educational settings.

Children, especially those in kindergarten, require vigilant supervision from parents and teachers. Lacking self-defence skills, young children can often become targets for those seeking amusement at their expense. A report from a Vietnamese news site recently drew public attention to a distressing incident involving a young boy. This child, wearing a green shirt and black trousers, was bullied by a classmate wearing a green shirt and orange trousers, evoking widespread sympathy and concern.

The incident occurred as the boy in black trousers was sitting on the classroom floor, playing cards. The other child not only turned his back and kicked the boy in the face but also sat on his neck, pushing him to the ground.

The bullied boy did not retaliate but allowed the torment to continue. His mother, who captured the incident on camera, expressed her sorrow upon witnessing her son being bullied in such a manner.

“I know I must teach my child to react to such behaviour but that classmate still enjoys bullying him. Even after seeking help from the teacher, nothing changed. That’s why I decided to transfer my son to a different class and continue teaching him.”

The incident sparked outrage among many who condemned the bullying behaviour. Simultaneously, others stressed the importance of teaching children to defend themselves and respond to bullying effectively.

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Bullying in kindergarten settings is not uncommon. If parents fail to intervene promptly, children may suffer both physical and emotional harm. The dilemma remains whether teaching a child to fight back or to submit is the best solution in such scenarios, reported Sanook.

Photo courtesy of Sanook

Experts have identified three types of parental approaches when dealing with school bullying:

The first approach involves teaching children to surrender. Parents who adhere to this philosophy instruct their children daily to live harmoniously and yield to classmates. If a child is harmed, it is often dismissed as mere play, with no need for retaliation or acknowledgement as bullying.

Psychological experts warn this method may result in children becoming shy, lacking confidence, and unwilling to report bullying to parents, believing it will be dismissed as child’s play.

The second approach advocates for children to retaliate when harmed. While defending oneself is not inherently wrong, unclear explanations from parents about what constitutes self-defence versus retaliation can lead children to think retaliation is always justified. This may eventually lead them to resort to physical actions instead of verbal communication, making peaceful interactions difficult as they grow older.

The third approach advises children to protect themselves without retaliating.

“When someone hurts you, protect yourself but don’t retaliate. You might cry loudly, shout, or run away to attract the attention of teachers or adults or ask those around you for help. They will protect you, and that’s how you can protect yourself.”

Displaying such behaviour not only helps children protect themselves but also raises awareness about resisting bullying. It encourages the development of a personality that is neither weak nor overly aggressive. For these reasons, experts recommend this approach as the most effective when children are harmed by peers.

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What Other Media Are Saying
  • The Educator’s Room highlights a mother’s fierce confrontation with her daughter’s bullies, raising crucial questions about school accountability and the urgent need for effective anti-bullying measures to protect vulnerable students. (read more)
  • South China Morning Post highlights a troubling case in Wuhan where parents petition for a disruptive boy’s transfer, reflecting rising concerns over classroom safety and the challenges of managing aggressive behaviour in schools. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions asked about this news.

Why might the third approach to handling bullying be considered the most effective?

It empowers children to protect themselves while fostering non-aggressive conflict resolution skills.

How can schools better support children who are victims of bullying?

Implement comprehensive anti-bullying programs and promote open communication between teachers, students, and parents.

What if parents choose the wrong approach to dealing with bullying?

Children may develop issues with confidence, aggression, or conflict resolution, impacting their social interactions.

What role do teachers play in preventing bullying in schools?

Teachers can monitor interactions, mediate conflicts, and create a safe environment for open dialogue.

How might early interventions in bullying impact a child’s future social skills?

Effective interventions can enhance a child’s self-esteem, and communication abilities, and foster healthier peer relationships.

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