No amount of A-grades or bragging rights is worth a depressed or dead child

A 2018 survey found that one in five Malaysians aged 13 to 17 suffered depression, and one reason given was the “exam-orientated culture” that can cause acute stress for many students who believe the grades they achieve will map their entire future. — 123rf.com

Parents work hard to provide their children with good prospects and a stable future. So it’s understandable they place so much value on their kids’ academic performance and development.

Seeing your child score straight As and thriving in extracurricular activities is cause for celebration, but the pressure on young people to perform can lead to them having mental and physical health problems.