Department of Mental Health Provides On-site Support for School Assault Incident, Recommends Monitoring Children to Reduce Violence

The Department of Mental Health quickly provided support following a physical assault incident in a Bangkok school. They emphasized the importance of caring for and observing children to help reduce violence.

The Director-General of the Department of Mental Health stated that “Dr. Chonnan” expressed concern about the psychological impact on both students and teachers after the violent incident. The department sent the Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (MCATT), in collaboration with Bangkok's team, to provide ongoing psychological care. The team highlighted that aggression stems from various factors and stressed the need to guide children on emotional regulation, while monitoring signs that may indicate potential violence.

Dr. Pongkasem Kaimook, Director-General of the Department of Mental Health, reported on a recent case involving a student from a high school in the Pattanakarn 26 area of Suan Luang, Bangkok, who was assaulted and passed away on January 29 while being transported to the hospital. Minister of Public Health, Dr. Chonnan Srikaew, expressed deep concern about the psychological impact on both students and teachers. On January 30, the Department of Mental Health dispatched MCATT teams from the Rajanukul Institute, Rajanagarindra Institute, and Mental Health Center Region 13, in collaboration with Public Health Center 37 of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), to provide psychological first aid to 67 individuals—55 students and 12 staff members. Initial assessments found that 36 students and all 12 teachers were experiencing stress. Individual counseling sessions were provided, and plans for long-term mental health support were discussed with school administrators. Additional personnel from Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry will also join the efforts.

Dr. Pongkasem explained that aggression often results from multiple factors, including personal issues with emotional regulation, anger management, impulsivity, or conditions that make self-control difficult. Family dynamics, such as physical, verbal, or emotional aggression, can teach children to respond aggressively to frustration. Overindulgence, which prevents children from learning self-control, can also lead to aggressive behavior when frustrated. School and social influences, such as bullying, violent peer groups, substance abuse, and online media, can exacerbate these tendencies. Preventing and resolving violent behavior requires addressing all these factors. Recommendations for helping children manage their emotions include:

1. Calmly stopping aggressive behavior by holding or hugging the child until they settle down. Once calm, discuss the reasons behind their frustration to help them express it verbally.
2. Teaching emotional regulation from as young as 3 years old, such as encouraging children to take time away when angry.
3. Fostering empathy and kindness toward others, animals, or living beings.

Families should avoid responding to aggression with violence. Harsh punishment only stops the behavior temporarily and may cause it to recur into adulthood. Additionally, caregivers should not negotiate during aggressive outbursts and avoid comparing or belittling the child, as this can cause inferiority complexes. Avoid threats, scare tactics, or incitement, as children may internalize these behaviors and use them against others.

Dr. Wimolrat Wanpen, Director of the Rajanagarindra Institute for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, added that signs of impending violence include changes in thinking, emotions, or behavior, such as negative thoughts about oneself or others, thoughts of harming oneself or others, irritability, or depression, as well as aggressive behavior, using profanity, or withdrawal. If a child shows signs of having been affected by violence, parents should:

1. Look for physical injuries or behavioral changes, such as fear, regression, aggression, depression, or increased separation anxiety.
2. Engage the child by listening without judgment, starting with simple questions like "How was your day?" or "What made you happy today?" If you suspect your child is experiencing violence, start with simple conversation such as "If anyone hurts you or makes you sad, feel free to tell me, and we’ll handle it together."
3. Create a safe space in the family for open communication, avoiding punishment that involves physical or emotional violence, and focusing on positive reinforcement.

If significant changes in a child's behavior, mood, or thoughts are observed, parents should consult a child psychiatrist, pediatric developmental specialist, or visit a nearby healthcare facility. The Mental Health Hotline 1323 is also available 24/7.

Source: ThaiHealth