KUALA LUMPUR: The tragic death of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bandar Utama 4 should serve as a wake-up call for Malaysians to prioritise mental health and empathy among students, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Mental Health Advisory Council member said the tragedy, which has deeply affected the Bandar Utama community, underscores the urgent need for schools, parents and authorities to place greater emphasis on emotional well-being alongside academic achievement.
"For too long, we have focused on grades and performance, often overlooking the quiet struggles that take place in the minds of our young people," he said in a statement on Sunday (Oct 19).
He said cases of bullying, emotional distress and even violence have become more prevalent, with recent reports showing that six in ten young people experience depressive symptoms and three in ten struggle with anxiety.
"These are not just numbers, they are our children, our students, our future," he said, adding that mental health must be recognised as equally important as physical health.
According to Lee, mental health literacy and emotional education should be incorporated into the school curriculum, enabling students to understand emotions, express empathy, and seek help when needed.
"These lessons are not just about coping, they are about building resilience and compassion," he said.
Lee said parents also play a crucial role as their children's first teachers by modelling empathy, listening without judgment, and engaging in meaningful family activities.
He said parents should also be cautioned against excessive and unsupervised screen time among youths, noting that technology, while beneficial, could also isolate children and expose them to harmful influences.
In schools, Lee said teachers and staff are at the frontline of students' emotional well-being and should be equipped with the training and confidence to recognise signs of distress and provide support or referrals.
He said closer collaboration between schools and universities should also be encouraged by allowing counselling students to complete internship hours in schools.
"This not only provides valuable hands-on experience for future counsellors, but also strengthens the emotional support system within schools. It is a win-win approach that benefits both education and mental health sectors," he said.
Lee said while empathy and care are essential, discipline and moral guidance must not be neglected, and school must address disruptive behaviours not merely through punishment but by fostering empathy, respect and a sense of responsibility
"Ultimately, we must strive to create a culture of care, one where empathy is encouraged, kindness is valued, and every child feels seen, heard and safe," he added.
Yap, a Form Three student, was killed after being stabbed, allegedly by a 14-year-old male schoolmate, in the washroom at her school during school hours on Tuesday.
Police have since arrested the suspect, who has been remanded for seven days to assist in investigations. - Bernama
