Kuala lumpur: Parents must be firmer and responsible in monitoring their children's activities on social media and online gaming platforms, Prime Minister's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Wan Azizah, who is also chairman of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Amal Silaturahim Isteri-Isteri Harapan Malaysia (Kasih Malaysia), emphasized that consistent supervision is crucial to shield the younger generation from the negative influences of the digital world. She cited recent alarming incidents involving school students, including a rape case that was recorded and circulated, and a murder where a victim was repeatedly stabbed.
Dr Wan Azizah urged parents to actively monitor their children's online presence, whether on social media or gaming platforms, and to provide them with full attention. She noted that even the Queen, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, has raised concerns over the impact of social media. This statement was made during the launch of the PsyQiQ Plus and certification programmes by Open University Malaysia (OUM).
Additionally, Dr Wan Azizah highlighted that her husband, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is committed to taking firm action concerning social media usage among the youth. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education is reviewing immediate measures to address these issues. Anwar recently mentioned that school discipline and safety, including the influence of social media, will be prioritized at the forthcoming Cabinet meeting.
The urgency of this issue was underscored by a recent tragic event at a secondary school in Selangor, where a Form Four girl was fatally stabbed by a 14-year-old male student. This incident follows a series of disturbing events, including a gang rape case in Melaka, which resulted in the immediate expulsion of those involved.
Dr Wan Azizah also stressed the need for accessible and sustainable psychosocial support services to help Malaysians seek immediate assistance. Citing data from the Ministry of Health in 2023, she noted that nearly 30 percent of Malaysian adults experience symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression, advocating for specialized skills and certified training to address mental health issues.
At the event, OUM introduced new certification programmes, including Basic Certificate in Counselling, Professional Certificate in Mental Health Counselling, Professional Certificate in Psychology, and Advanced Certificate in Islamic Studies. Also launched was PsyQiQ Plus, a web-based application developed for psychometric profiling for students. The event was attended by OUM president and vice-chancellor, Prof Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang.