Guidelines for Preventing Online Sexual Harassment Among Female Students at the Military Technical Training School, National Defense Studies Institute, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters

Abstract

     This research aimed to study 1) the situation, patterns, and methods of online sexual harassment victimization among female students at the Military Craftsman School, 2) the impact such victimization, and 3) the guidelines for prevention. The research employed a qualitative methodology, using in-depth interviews with 15 female students and 3 teachers at the Military Craftsman School. Data were analyzed using content analysis.
     The findings revealed that most female students had experienced online sexual harassment, primarily through Facebook and Instagram. Common forms included inappropriate messages, images, videos, sexually explicit comments, and solicitation. Psychological effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and embarrassment were prevalent, along with social effects like distrust of others and communication avoidance. Academic performance, however, was minimally affected. Most students employed individual-level strategies for self-protection, including ignoring or blocking the harasser, adjusting privacy settings, and avoiding the disclosure of personal information. However, a lack of institutional and familial support was evident. Although military-style discipline contributed to students’ mental resilience, it also created barriers to disclosure, leaving some students feeling isolated and unwilling to seek help. The study recommends teacher training, the establishment of safe and confidential reporting channels, and effective communication with parents to build a sustainable structural prevention system.