Approaches to Modify Online Gambling Behavior of Junior High School Students at Bang Pa - In Rachanukroh 1 School Bang Pa-In District Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

This research had two primary objectives: 1) to study the motivational factors for online gambling among lower secondary school students at Bang Pa-in "Rachanukroh 1" School, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, and 2) to identify strategies for addressing this behavior. A mixed methods research approach was used, divided into two steps. In step 1, a quantitative study was conducted. The sample consisted of 300 lower secondary school students selected through a stratified random sampling. The instrument used was a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.924. Data were analyzed using basic statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

Step 2 was a qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews with five key informants: the school director, student affairs teachers, guidance counselors, PSO teachers, and a counselor. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

The results revealed that overall motivation for online gambling was low, with family motivation having the highest mean score, while personal interests had the lowest mean score. Regarding strategies for addressing students' online gambling behavior, the study focused on identifying the most relevant factors. It was found that action should be taken in seven areas: interest, access techniques, advertising, life goals, learning behavior, family, and social environment. It is recommended that families, schools, and related agencies work together to monitor, educate, and use appropriate legal and social measures to prevent and solve problems sustainably.