Children are exposed to various online influences, including games. Photo: Freepik
Children who are exposed to and frequently play violent video games risk developing mental health issues if not properly monitored by their parents, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the challenges of today’s digital world had exposed children to various online influences, including games that could affect emotional stability and mental development.
"Anyone, regardless of age, can experience mental health problems, but vulnerable groups such as children must be given attention and empathy by society.
"Therefore, those facing such issues should not be stigmatised but rather supported and given access to proper treatment,” he told reporters after officiating the Rahmah Mesra Santuni MADANI Programme at Pantai Jeram here today.
He added that anyone could face mental health challenges when emotions fluctuate or stress levels rise, whether in the form of anxiety or depression.
Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry had implemented several initiatives to address the issue, including the 15555 Hotline and the K-Mindset Programme, aimed at empowering community leaders to reach out to at-risk individuals.
"Through K-Mindset, the government has allocated RM21.6mil to train village heads, penghulus and religious figures so they can play a role in safeguarding the mental health of people in their respective communities,” he said.
Earlier, Dzulkefly also officiated the 2025 Healthy Lungs and Mind Carnival, which is part of the Health Ministry’s Lung Health Initiative (LHI) – a nationwide movement to enhance access to screening, early treatment and awareness advocacy for lung diseases.
The initiative focuses on conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer and the dangers of electronic cigarettes or vaping, and has now been expanded nationwide, including in Selangor, through strategic partnerships involving public, private and community sectors. – Bernama
