PUTRAJAYA, Oct 16 — Parents must be firmer and responsible in monitoring their children’s activities on social media and online gaming platforms, Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.
Dr Wan Azizah, who is also chairman of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Amal Silaturahim Isteri-Isteri Harapan Malaysia (Kasih Malaysia), said that consistent supervision is crucial to shield the younger generation from the negative influences of the digital world.
“We were recently shocked by several incidents involving school students, including a rape case that was recorded and circulated, and a murder where a victim was repeatedly stabbed by the perpetrator.
“From now on, please monitor your children, especially their online world, either in social media or online gaming platforms. Keep an eye on them and give them your full attention.
“Even Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, voiced concern over the impact of social media,” she said at the launch of the PsyQiQ Plus and certification programmes by Open University Malaysia here.
Dr Wan Azizah also noted that her husband, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is committed to taking firm action regarding social media usage among the youth, while the Education Ministry is currently reviewing immediate measures to address the situation.
Yesterday, Anwar said that strict action on school discipline and safety, including the growing influence of social media among students, will be discussed at an upcoming Cabinet meeting.
On Tuesday, a Form 4 girl was fatally stabbed by a 14-year-old male student at a school in Petaling Jaya.
This was the latest in a series of school violence cases, including a gang rape in Melaka involving four Form 5 boys and a Form 3 girl, which led to the immediate expulsion of the perpetrators.
On a related note, Dr Wan Azizah called for the establishment of more accessible and sustainable psychosocial support services to ensure Malaysians can seek immediate help when needed.
Citing data from the Health Ministry (MOH) in 2023, she noted that nearly 30 per cent of Malaysian adults experience symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression.
“We want help channels to be easily accessible, right at your fingertips. I believe mental health issues require a more specific approach, with specialised skills and certified training from legitimate organisations,” Dr Wan Azizah added.
