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PARENTS must take firmer and more proactive steps in monitoring their children’s engagement with social media and online games, said Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, in light of recent violent incidents involving school students.
Speaking at the launch of the PsyQiQ Plus programme and certification initiative by Open University Malaysia (OUM), Dr Wan Azizah, who is also Chair of Kasih Malaysia, stressed that constant parental oversight is essential to shield children from negative influences online.
“We have recently been shocked by several distressing incidents involving school students — from rape cases that were recorded and shared, to the brutal murder of a student who was stabbed repeatedly by the perpetrator,” she said.
“Starting now, monitor your children’s activities — especially their digital lives on social media and online games. Watch them, give them your attention. Even Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah has voiced her concern over the dangers of social media,” she added.
Dr Wan Azizah said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is committed to taking firm action on the issue, and that the Ministry of Education is actively exploring urgent measures to address the influence of digital platforms among students.
Just a day earlier, the Prime Minister confirmed that the Cabinet will discuss strict measures to address school discipline and safety concerns — including the impact of social media on students — in an upcoming meeting.
Recent weeks have seen several alarming school-related cases make headlines, including the expulsion of five male students involved in a rape case in Melaka and the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old girl by a 14-year-old male student at a school in Selangor.
Dr Wan Azizah also highlighted the urgent need for accessible and sustainable psychosocial support services for the public, particularly in light of rising mental health concerns.
“In 2023, the Ministry of Health revealed that nearly 30 per cent of Malaysian adults exhibited symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression,” she said. “We must ensure that help is readily available, right at people’s fingertips. Addressing mental health issues requires specialised approaches, unique skills, and training from accredited bodies.”
At the event, OUM introduced four certification programmes: Basic Counselling, Professional Mental Health Counselling, Professional Psychology, and Advanced Islamic Studies.
Also launched was PsyQiQ Plus — a web-based application developed through OUM’s research project, aimed at providing psychometric profiling for students.
Present at the ceremony was OUM President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang - October 16, 2025
