Low IQ blamed on family situation
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Thai children's average intelligence quotient down slightly, survey finds
THE AVERAGE intelligence quotient (IQ) of Thai children slipped to 93.1 in 2014, from 94 in 2011, according to surveys by the Public Health Ministry.
The IQ scores of Prathom 1 students in Thailand are also below the world average of 100.
“But Thai children’s [average] emotional quotient is normal,” Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin said at a press conference yesterday.
The 2014 survey covered 4,929 Prathom 1 students across all Thai regions.
Rajata said surveys showed children living in urban areas had higher IQ scores than those in rural zones. He said rural children’s more limited access to development stimuli – such as educational toys and proper nourishment – could affect their IQ.
Mental Health Department director-general Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk said children’s lack of opportunities to live with both parents and living in skipped-generation families (those living with grandparents, in absence of their parents) also ranked among key IQ-affecting factors.
Jesdada He estimated that only 62 per cent of children now live with both their mother and their father. As many as 32 per cent of children say their parents have gone separate ways. Some 8 per cent of others say one of their parents has died.
“There are more than 1.4 million skipped-generation families in Thailand’s rural zones,” Jedsada said. He said some foreign research shows that that children raised by grandparents faced educational disadvantages when compared with those in the arms of parents.
“We have also found that educational quality in nurseries can boost IQ,” Jedsada said. “Pre-school learning programmes can stimulate children’s development.”
Rajata said that in honour of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 60th birthday, a project was launched to improve children’s development.
“The project gives special attention to children in risky groups, such as those underweight at birth and those not living with parents,” he said.
In addition to deploying health volunteers and tambon health-promotion hospitals, the project was trying to engage parents in promoting children’s development.
“Ties between children and their keepers count,” Rajata said.
He also placed an emphasis on hugging and talking, and reiterated that TV-watching time should be reduced.
Jedsada said his department would try to boost Thai children’s intelligence and emotional quotients through three measures.
“We will try to support children’s development via healthcare facilities,” he said. “We will promote pre-school development at family and nursery levels.”
Focus would also be on identifying children with special needs.
“Teachers should identify children with autism, emotional and behavioural problems, and learning disabilities, and provide help,” Jedsada said.
Parents who needed children-development guidance could download it from www.dmh.go.th and www.rajanukul.go.th.
“If they need counselling, they can call 1667 and 1323,” Jedsada said.
Box:
Thai kids’ IQ levels
Intelligence quotient (IQ) level of Thai children
2014: 93.1
2011: 94
Global average: 100
Factors possibly adversely affecting local IQ levels:
-Less family time: Some 62 per cent of Thai children live with both their parents;
-Skipped-generation families: More than 1.4 million skipped-generation families, or children being raised by grandparents, now live in rural areas. Foreign research shows that children raised by grandparents face more educational disadvantages than those raised by parents.
Survey conducted among Prathom 1 students
Source: Public Health Ministry
