KUALA LUMPUR: Good mental health needs to be instilled at a young age to enable children, and teenagers, who are future pillars of the country, to understand, cope and better manage their mental health issues, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The member of the Mental Health Advisory Council said that mental health literacy should be incorporated into our national education system.
"According to the National Health Morbidity Survey 2023, the prevalence of mental health problems among children increased from 7.9% in 2019 to 16.5% in 2023.
"One in six children aged 5-15 suffered mental health problems," he said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 2).
Children need to be exposed to the basics of good mental health practices, which can be achieved through a healthy lifestyle, he said.
"Skills such as problem-solving and stress management will help enhance a child’s mental health.
"When they are mental health literate, they will feel more open to reaching out and seeking help when needed. The ease of getting help is an encouraging factor," he lamented.
Lee said that it is important to ensure that sufficient school counsellors are serving in primary and secondary schools.
"I hope that the Education Ministry can collaborate with tertiary institutions so trainee counsellors pursuing their counselling studies can do their practicum and internship at schools.
"Teachers should also be equipped with basic mental health knowledge, such as the ability to recognise students who are struggling mentally and the skills to provide emotional support.
"Peer Supporters or "Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya" should be set up in every school as some children feel more comfortable opening up to their peers. Peer supporters can be a crucial link between struggling students and the help they need," he said.
He said that children should have a safe space to talk about their feelings without fear of being judged.
"Parents need to have an awareness of mental health as they play an important role in helping develop their children’s mental well-being.
"Have frequent conversations about their feelings and validate them instead of reprimanding them.
"I have encountered situations where a child was not allowed to seek professional help as the parents felt ashamed or did not believe in mental health," he said.
Lee said he also hoped that the “Mental Health Belongs to All, Stop the Stigma” campaign would include parents as one of its target audiences.
"Parents and educators need to instil the responsible use of social media among children. Numerous studies found that excessive use of social media is correlated with a higher risk of mental disorders.
"Excessive use can lead to cyberbullying, neglect of responsibilities, and feelings of insecurity. There is also a safety issue," he said.
