WHEN young people struggle without adequate support, their difficulties may stay hidden until they surface in more visible or disruptive ways, says Dr Zhooriyati Sehu Mohamad (pic).
The UCSI University Kuala Lumpur assistant professor, who is also director of the varsity’s Wellbeing Research Centre, however, stressed that emotional distress does not automatically lead to violence.
“Most adolescents with psychological difficulties never harm anyone, so we must avoid simplistic explanations that link mental health problems with danger,” she said.
Citing a recent incident in Kuching, Sarawak, where a 16-year-old student allegedly injured a teacher at a school, Zhooriyati said the violence raises questions about adolescent well-being and society’s collective responsibility towards young people.
In the Oct 21 incident, a female teacher reportedly sustained cuts to her hand while attempting to seize an axe from the student.
Adolescence, she noted, is a critical period of identity formation, emotional change and growing social pressure.
“The alleged livestreaming of the attack deserves reflection, because for some isolated adolescents, violence can become a distorted attempt to be seen, to matter and to be remembered,” she said.
She emphasised that families, schools and communities must become better at noticing warning signs such as persistent withdrawal, intense anger, and expressions of hopelessness or threats, particularly when these occur alongside significant personal difficulties.
“Young people need adults with whom they can express frustration and emotional pain without immediately being judged, dismissed or punished, while still being held accountable for harmful behaviour.
“When a child says that no one listens or that they always feel left out, it should be taken as a signal to lean in, ask more and, where needed, seek professional help,” she said.
Zhooriyati added that schools must be more than places of academic achievement and discipline, providing psychologically safe environments, accessible counselling, clear reporting channels and proper procedures for responding to credible threats.
“Parents also play a crucial role in building emotional literacy, empathy and healthy conflict resolution, and in maintaining meaningful relationships with their children rather than assuming that material provision or good grades reflect their well-being,” she said.
On the sharing of videos and writings allegedly linked to the Kuching incident on social media, Zhooriyati urged the public and media portals to stop circulating them.
“Such content fuels speculation, risks glorifying violence and may inspire imitation,” she cautioned.
She added that support must extend to the teacher, students and school staff through psychological first aid, trauma-informed care and a careful return to normal routines.
“Preventing school violence is not only about reacting after an incident, but about building families, schools and communities where distress is recognised, help is accessible, accountability is upheld and every young person is heard before a crisis unfolds,” she concluded.
