PETALING JAYA: The rise in disturbing behaviour among children is a warning sign of deeper social and emotional issues that demand urgent attention, say mental health experts.
Clinical psychologist Urmilah Dass described the situation as a reflection of shifting family dynamics and increasing gadget dependency among children.
“There are several contributing factors behind what we’re seeing today. The rising cost of living forces both parents to work, leaving many children without parental closeness or guidance.
“Gadget overuse, easy access to harmful online content and lack of supervision are also changing how children perceive right and wrong,” she said when contacted.
The Covid-19 pandemic, she said, had worsened the situation by pushing children indoors and online, fuelling a “growing epidemic of gadget addiction”.
“Children today are exposed to all sorts of negative influences from vaping and pornography to violent content without proper boundaries or monitoring.
“Everything starts at home. Parents need to reconnect with their children by spending time together, guiding them and instilling strong values,” she said.
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She also said every school should have trained counsellors and psychologists to provide early emotional support.
Psychology expert Prof Dr Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim of Universiti Sains Malaysia said improving children’s wellbeing is a shared priority among parents, schools and policymakers.
“We must recognise that children have different emotional needs. Those with severe conditions such as clinical depression or schizophrenia require professional help and medication, while others struggling with milder challenges should also receive support,” she said.
Positive environments at home and in school could help children develop resilience and reduce the risk of mental health issues or risky behaviours, she said.
“Children need to feel loved, valued and supported through empathy, kindness and compassion,” she added.
Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association Malaysia founder and president Anita Abu Bakar said recent bullying-related deaths and gang assaults in schools showed signs of a wider, systemic issue rather than isolated acts.
“What we’re seeing now clearly shows there’s a huge gap in mental health support for our students, teens and children,” she said.
She added it is also important to ensure every school has trained counsellors, peer support systems and safe spaces where students can talk about their feelings without fear or stigma.
“What is needed now is a whole-school mental health approach, where mental health awareness, emotional literacy and peer support are woven into everyday school life,” she said.
