At just 16 years old, Phoonseeraah “Ada” Tieanworn is revolutionising consent education in Thai schools with her innovative “Consent Game.” A student at Choate Rosemary Hall in the United States, Ada has already reached over 700 students across seven Bangkok schools, introducing lessons on respect, boundaries, and effective communication.
Her journey began in 2024 through her school’s Bystander Education Program, where she gained leadership experience in preventing sexual misconduct and promoting bystander intervention. Inspired by these lessons, Ada tailored the Consent Game to address issues such as bullying and peer pressure in Thailand, officially launching it during the summer of 2024.
"Respect and understanding are at the heart of strong communities,” Ada said. “I want young people to feel confident in communicating clearly and respectfully.”
The Consent Game uses role-playing, storytelling, and group discussions to help students navigate real-world scenarios, fostering an understanding of verbal and non-verbal cues. This hands-on approach has been embraced by schools, including Wat Bukkhalo and Bangpakok Witthayakhom, with many requesting Ada’s return.
Beyond addressing bullying, which affects 91% of Thai students according to the Department of Mental Health, Ada aims to shift cultural norms by teaching youth to stand up for themselves while respecting others. Her sessions, tailored to developmental stages, often spark heartfelt reflections and even uncover serious issues that schools can address promptly.
Ada’s ambitions extend beyond Thailand. She envisions a digital version of the Consent Game to reach students nationwide and hopes to expand its impact to neighbouring countries, promoting empathy and open communication on a larger scale.
"This is just the beginning,” Ada said. “I want to help as many kids as possible learn how to protect themselves and respect others’ rights and decisions.”
Through her dedication and vision, Ada exemplifies how young leaders can create meaningful change, inspiring a new generation to prioritise respect, kindness, and mutual understanding.
