Buddhist Approach to Resolving Bullying Among Primary School Students at Wat Rai Khing (Sunthon Uthit) School

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) analyze the problem of bullying among primary school students at Wat Rai Khing (Sunthon Uthit) School, 2) develop a process for solving the problem of bullying among primary school students, and 3) transfer the developed process for practical application. The study employed qualitative research using Participatory Action Research (PAR). The informants consisted of 20 teachers and parents, while 30 primary school students participated in the activities. The research instruments included interviews and activity sets. Data were collected and analyzed through interviews and behavioral observations, and the findings were presented in a narrative form.

The results revealed that: 1) bullying at the school occurred in three main forms physical bullying (pushing, hitting, pulling hair, destroying property), verbal bullying (teasing, slandering, threatening), and social bullying (excluding peers from groups), which often happened during lunch breaks and after school; 2) the developed process emphasized the integration of the Four Brahmavihāras through group activities, brainstorming, role-playing, and mindfulness practices; and 3) the transfer process was conducted in the form of a handbook and training for teachers and students, which received positive feedback and was practically applicable in classrooms and school activities. The key contribution of this research is the development of the CARE Model (Compassion, Appreciation, Respect, Equanimity), which translates Buddhist virtues into a practical framework for resolving bullying. By applying CARE through group activities, brainstorming, role-playing, and mindfulness, students reduced physical and verbal aggression, developed empathy, respect, and acceptance of differences among peers.