In 2022, activists carried powerful messages denouncing sexual harassment and rape as they moved from Suntiphap Park to Victory Monument. This demonstration highlighted a growing and deeply troubling issue: the rise of sexual harassment on social media, which is having a devastating impact on children and young people.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) released a revealing social outlook report on August 26, 2024, pointing out the alarming consequences of online sexual harassment on the youth. Victims are not only at risk of developing severe social, emotional, and mental health problems—such as anxiety and depression—but some even end up engaging in criminal activities due to the traumas they have endured.
ECPAT International, an organization affiliated with UNICEF, has identified Thailand as one of the 25 countries with terrifying levels of online sexual harassment against children and adolescents. This grim reality aligns with data from the Royal Thai Police, which show a shocking increase in child sexual abuse cases—from 48 in 2017 to a staggering 540 last year.
The NESDC divides online sexual harassment against children into three levels:
- Low-level harassment: Often, perpetrators do not even realize their actions are harmful. They harass through non-specific comments, such as making sexually suggestive remarks about school-aged children.
- Moderate-level harassment: This involves repeated actions designed to cause emotional distress. It includes persistent harassment, attempts to humiliate and embarrass victims, and a gradual invasion of their privacy.
- Severe/high-level harassment: Characterized by violent and aggressive actions that cause significant emotional and psychological harm. This includes luring minors into romantic relationships, coercing them into sexual acts, recording those acts without consent, and exploiting the victims by charging for viewing the recordings.
A 2022 UNICEF report revealed a troubling issue: many young people do not know how to seek help when they or their friends experience online sexual abuse. Some do not even recognize themselves as victims, while others feel too ashamed to report it, leading to massive underreporting of these deplorable crimes, according to the NESDC.
To combat this escalating problem, the NESDC emphasized the need for comprehensive measures. Firstly, there must be a significant shift in how society addresses this issue, which includes family members closely monitoring their children’s use of social media. Additionally, the government and communities must establish strict measures to punish offenders.
The NESDC also underlined the importance of educating people about their rights and the risks of online sexual harassment. Education providers and communities should take a proactive approach in teaching about the evolving nature of online threats. Families should ingrain the habit of protecting personal information in their children, and it’s crucial for education providers to include lessons on managing sexual grooming as part of their curriculum.
Solving the dark and pervasive problem of online sexual harassment demands a united front—from parents, educators, law enforcement, and communities. Through education, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to justice, there is hope that we can create a safer, more respectful online environment for our children and young people.
The rise of online harassment in Thailand is truly shocking. The figures from Royal Thai Police are heartbreaking. How can we allow this to happen to our children?
Unfortunately, the anonymity of the internet makes it easier for predators to hide. Strict laws and monitoring are essential to combat this issue.
Yeah, but laws are not enough if parents don’t take responsibility for their kids’ online activities. It’s a team effort!
I completely agree, Nina. Parents need to be proactive and better educated about these dangers. Awareness is key.
Let’s be real. Kids these days are digital natives. Parents can’t monitor them 24/7. We need more than just domestic vigilance. International cooperation against online predators is crucial.
It’s horrible, but not surprising. The internet is a wild place, and without proper regulation, these kinds of abuses will just keep happening.
Regulation risks infringing on personal freedoms. Education and awareness are more important than excessive government control.
True, but a balance is needed. Without some form of regulation, criminals get a free pass to exploit technology against kids.
Is it just me, or are we not talking enough about the role of social media companies? These platforms need to do more to protect users, especially kids.
Absolutely! Tech giants have a responsibility too. They can’t just sit back and profit while our kids suffer.
I doubt they’ll take action unless there’s a financial incentive or regulatory pressure. They’re businesses after all.
Sad but true, John. That’s why advocacy and public pressure can be powerful. We need to hit them where it hurts, their wallet.
Just move to less popular social media platforms. Mainstream platforms are too big to be controlled efficiently, and it’s too risky to rely on them being safe.
The levels of harassment described here are gut-wrenching. Society as a whole needs to do better.
It’s really bad, but it’s also a reflection of deeper societal issues. By addressing root causes like toxic masculinity, we could make a broader impact.
Absolutely! It’s high time we looked at the cultural conditioning that leads to such behavior.
Why isn’t this a bigger deal in the media? I barely heard about the NESDC report. Mainstream media needs to step up.
Media sensationalizes what sells. Sadly, the abuse of children doesn’t attract as much attention unless it’s a major scandal.
That’s the ugly truth. Perhaps we need more grassroots movements to push these issues into the spotlight.
It’s a sad reality that many victims do not even realize they are victims. Education about online harassment should be mandatory in schools.
And not just in schools! Parents and communities need those educations too. The whole society must be aware.
Of course, education should start at home. Communities play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment.
While education is important, kids need safe spaces online. More child-friendly environments and secure platforms are needed.
Thai society’s conservative nature also makes it hard for victims to speak out, due to fear of judgment.
I’d argue this isn’t just an online issue. It’s a broader societal problem. We have to address both simultaneously.
It’s a tragic situation, but the path to change starts with each of us. Speak up, educate, and hold each other accountable.
Criminal activities linked to online harassment are preventable if we make mental health resources more accessible.