Some teens may find it hard to focus on schoolwork because of the lure of the Internet. — Photo: Filepic
MALAYSIANS spend an average of nine hours and four minutes online daily, ranking among the world’s heaviest internet users.
For adolescents, while social media fosters connection and self-expression, it also brings risks like excessive screen time, mental health struggles and weakened family bonds. These challenges raise an important question: is the digital world shaping or harming our youth?
In Malaysia, family values are deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, highlighting strong ties and mutual respect. However, the growing use of digital devices has disrupted these dynamics. Now, adolescents spend an average of six to eight hours daily on screens, engaging in activities such as gaming, social media and streaming.
This pervasive use fosters digital dependency, disrupting essential aspects of life such as sleep patterns, academic performance, and social interactions.
A 2017 National Health and Morbidity Survey found that 29% of Malaysian adolescents were classified as having internet addiction, linked to poor family communication and increased stress.
For instance, teenagers who spend prolonged hours gaming often exhibit irritability and disengagement from familial and academic responsibilities. These behaviours underscore the urgent need to address digital dependency and its cascading effects on adolescent life.
While social media fosters connection and self-expression, it also brings risks like excessive screen time, mental health struggles and weakened family bonds.
Online problems
Malaysia was ranked second in Asia for youth cyberbullying in 2020, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.
Additionally, a 2022 study found that 13.7% of adolescents in Peninsular Malaysia experienced cyberbullying victimisation, which often leads to issues such as low self-esteem and social isolation.
One case involved Aliyah, a 15-year-old whom I encountered in Kuala Lumpur, who became anxious after being bullied online for her appearance. With support from her school counsellor and efforts to reduce her screen time, Aliyah gradually regained her confidence. This shows the importance of timely intervention.
Another issue is the pressure to live up to unrealistic beauty and success standards often shown on social media.
Many Malaysian teens compare themselves to influencers, which makes them feel inadequate. This can harm their self-worth and lead to emotional distress. Some school teachers personally shared with me that several students were skipping school due to anxiety related to social media comparisons, highlighting the widespread impact.
Digital overuse also affects family relationships. Gadgets have replaced meaningful conversations in many Malaysian homes.
According to a survey by a local parenting group in 2023, 60% of families said they felt emotionally distant due to excessive gadget use. Parents often struggle to compete with screens for their children’s attention, leading to less trust and open communication.
Family meals, once a time for bonding, are now interrupted by constant notifications. A mother that I know in Selangor shared her frustration, saying, “My son barely talks to us anymore. He’s always on his phone, even during dinner.”
The impact on education is mixed. While online learning has made education more accessible, it has also increased distractions. Many teens find it hard to focus on schoolwork because of the lure of social media and games.
Cybercrime is another concern. According to data from Statista, Malaysia recorded over 21,000 cybercrime incidents in 2022, a significant increase compared to previous years. These crimes include phishing, online scams, and unauthorised transactions, which highlight the pressing need for robust digital literacy initiatives to protect adolescents.
Zhooriyati says parents play a key role by setting good examples of balanced screen use and creating screen-free zones at home. — APU
Working together
To tackle these problems, parents, educators, and community leaders need to work together.
Parents play a key role by setting good examples of balanced screen use and creating screen-free zones at home. Encouraging open conversations about online experiences can help build trust.
I believe parents should talk to their kids about the risks and benefits of technology in a non-judgemental way, as this helps teens feel safe to share their experiences.
Teens also need support to manage their screen time better. Schools and community programmes can promote alternatives like sports, arts, and volunteering. Initiatives like “Program Rakan Muda” by the Ministry of Youth and Sports encourage teens to engage in offline activities, helping them develop social and emotional skills.
Digital literacy should also be part of school curriculums. Workshops on recognising credible sources, protecting privacy, and handling cyberbullying can prepare teens for the challenges of the digital world.
Policymakers must strengthen campaigns like “Klik Dengan Bijak” by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to reach more people and have a greater impact.
Collaborations between schools, tech companies, and non-governmental organisations can create tools and resources for healthy screen habits.
For instance, tech companies could develop apps to monitor screen time, while NGOs could offer counselling services for teens struggling with digital dependency.
Schools could also host regular sessions for parents and teachers to discuss the effects of technology on students.
The future of Malaysia depends on its young people. Ensuring their well-being in this digital age is a shared responsibility. Parents, teachers, and policymakers must create an environment where technology enhances, rather than harms, young lives.
By encouraging self-awareness, building resilience and teaching digital skills, we can help Malaysian teens thrive both online and offline. Let us all play our part in shaping a healthier, happier future for the next generation.
Dr Zhooriyati Sehu Mohd is a senior lecturer and programme leader specialising in positive psychology at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). With a doctorate in Psychology from Universiti Sains Malaysia, she is an experienced qualitative researcher. Her expertise spans positive psychology, qualitative research, and artificial intelligence (AI) for academic writing. Her work focuses on happiness, meaning in life and interpersonal relationships, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field of psychology.
