BUDDHIST INNOVATION WITH MEDITATION ACTIVITIES AND SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF BULLYING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS

Abstract

This research is entitled “Buddhist innovation with meditation activities and solving the problem of bullying for children and youths,” has three objectives: 1) to examine the current issues related to bullying among children and youth, 2) to develop a Buddhist-based innovation to address bullying for children and youth, and 3) to assess behavioral changes in bullying among children and youth. The researchers employed a mixed-methodology approach, combining quantitative research with a sample of 400 students, qualitative research through in-depth interviews with 15 individuals, focus group discussions with 9 participants, and action research conducted with 30 student participants from a secondary school in Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The research findings are as follows: 1) Regarding the study of the current issues in addressing bullying among children and youth, the findings revealed that the perception of meditation practice and its role in solving bullying problems was at a high level, with a mean score of 3.85 and a standard deviation of 0.813. Most respondents agreed that meditation can help alleviate stress and negative feelings and that they understood how to practice meditation independently. The development of meditation activities to address bullying was also rated at a high level, with a mean score of 3.84 and a standard deviation of 0.835. This suggests that the activities designed were practical and can be further implemented. 2) Regarding developing Buddhist-based innovations to address bullying, the study found that activities providing knowledge about meditation techniques for emotional regulation helped foster positive energy and suppress negative emotions, reducing stress and enhancing self-worth. Activities included positive thinking exercises, self-acceptance practices, music listening, and decision-making games, storytelling to promote mental resilience, and fostering spiritual friendships (Kalyāṇamittatā) alongside mental strength and interpersonal relationships. 3) Participants were evaluated through pre- and post-tests. Overall, the post-test results from Participants involved in meditation and anti-bullying activities based on Buddhist innovation showed a significantly higher average score of 4.56, with a standard deviation of 0.166, compared to the pre- test average score of 2.69, with a standard deviation of 0.407. This indicates a clear improvement, reflecting strong student engagement and the effectiveness of the activities.