Asst. Prof.Hathaichanok Chiengthong
Abstract :
In contemporary society, children and adolescents are frequently exposed to anger, conflict, and violence through digital media, social environments, and everyday life. Repeated exposure to violent content may lead children to become desensitized and perceive aggressive behavior as normal or acceptable. At the same time, children may lack the skills to understand emotions, regulate anger, protect themselves from unsafe situations, and resolve conflicts constructively. Developing emotional awareness and non-violent problem-solving skills from an early age is therefore essential for violence prevention and children’s well-being.
The “Child Violence Awareness and Prevention Project” presents the 3D short animation “The Giant Within,” which communicates awareness of violence prevention through visual storytelling. The animation uses 3D techniques to convey characters’ emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through facial expressions, eye movements, body language, movement weight and timing, as well as the atmosphere and details of each scene. These elements make the characters’ experiences and emotions feel natural and believable, allowing children to connect the story with their own experiences and feelings.
The story portrays how anger and conflict can develop into violent behavior while presenting alternative ways of responding. The “giant” serves as a visual metaphor for anger and strong emotions within the mind, changing according to the character’s emotional state. Through animation and physical performance, abstract emotions become visible and tangible. Rather than relying on direct instruction or fear-based communication, the animation encourages children to learn through the characters’ experiences, develop emotional understanding and empathy, and consider non-violent ways of resolving problems.
The project also recognizes that violence prevention cannot rely solely on children. Families, teachers, schools, and communities play important roles in creating safe environments where children can express their feelings, seek help, and receive support. The animation can therefore serve as a medium for learning and discussion between children and caring adults.
The project expects “The Giant Within” to increase awareness of violence and strengthen emotional regulation, empathy, self-protection, communication, and constructive problem-solving skills through natural and believable 3D storytelling, contributing to safer environments and a culture of understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence.
Objectives :
The “Child Violence Awareness and Prevention Project” aims to develop the 3D short animation “The Giant Within” as a creative and accessible medium for promoting awareness and understanding of violence prevention among children and adolescents. The project has two main objectives:
1. To promote awareness and understanding of violence.
To help children and adolescents recognize anger, conflict, aggression, and violence in everyday situations, understand their potential effects, and become aware of how violent behavior can affect themselves and others.
2. To strengthen emotional and social skills for non-violent responses.
To encourage children to recognize and understand their emotions, particularly anger and frustration, while developing emotional regulation, empathy, communication, self-protection, and constructive problem-solving skills. The project aims to support children in responding to difficult situations and resolving conflicts without violence, while encouraging positive and respectful relationships with others.
Conceptual Framework :
The conceptual framework of the Child Violence Awareness and Prevention Project is based on the understanding that children’s exposure to anger, conflict, and violence can influence how they perceive emotions and respond to difficult situations. Without emotional awareness and appropriate coping strategies, anger and frustration may develop into aggressive or violent behavior. Violence prevention therefore requires both awareness and the development of emotional and social skills that support non-violent responses.
The 3D short animation “The Giant Within” uses the “giant” as a visual metaphor for anger and intense emotions within the mind. The giant changes according to the character’s emotional state, transforming an abstract internal experience into something visible and understandable. Through the characters’ experiences, the animation explores the relationship between emotional triggers, reactions, consequences, and alternative ways of responding to conflict.
3D animation serves as the primary storytelling medium, using facial expressions, eye movements, body language, movement weight and timing, and environmental atmosphere to create natural and believable characters and situations. This approach allows children to observe and connect with emotional experiences rather than simply receive direct instruction.
The framework connects awareness of violence → emotional understanding → self-regulation and empathy → non-violent communication and problem-solving → safer relationships and environments. Through this process, “The Giant Within” is intended to encourage children to understand their emotions, reflect on their responses, and explore constructive ways to deal with conflict and violence.
Process / Methodology :
Interpret and adapt the storybook “The Giant Within” into a script specifically developed for 3D animation, while preserving the original story’s key content and core message. The structure and details are then adjusted to suit visual and animated storytelling, followed by 3D modeling, animation, lighting, sound, and editing, with an emphasis on natural and believable character movement and emotional expression.
Techniques and Materials :
The animation is developed by adapting the storybook “The Giant Within”into a script for 3D animation while preserving its core message. Production techniques include 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, character animation, lighting, camera composition, rendering, and compositing. Facial expressions, eye movements, body language, movement weight, and timing are carefully developed to create natural and believable character performances. Digital environments and visual elements support the atmosphere and emotions of each scene. Original music and a simple song are composed as part of the animation, encouraging children to sing and dance along as a playful way to reinforce the message and recall strategies for managing anger. Post-production includes editing, sound effects, dialogue, music integration, and visual adjustments.
Result / Conclusion :
The project will produce a 3D short animation “The Giant Within”, adapted and visually interpreted from the storybook. The animation aims to enhance children’s awareness of violence, emotional regulation, empathy, and non-violent problem-solving through natural and believable 3D storytelling.
References :
-Snowden, S. (2018). Anger management workbook for kids. Callisto Kids.
-Denham, S. A. (1998). Emotional development in young children. Guilford Press.
-World Health Organization. (2020). Global status report on preventing violence against children 2020. World Health Organization.