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THE Selangor government has not ruled out the possibility of reports involving sexual misconduct among school students in the state, as worries intensify over the unchecked influence of digital content.
Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, the Menteri Besar of Selangor, told the State Assembly that while such issues are not new, the proliferation of immoral content on social media allows negative influences to spread much faster than in the past.
“If previously it only spread through individuals or certain groups, now it moves more rapidly via social media platforms that have no boundaries,” Amirudin said in response to a supplementary question from Mohd Shafie Ngah (PN–Sungai Ramal) during the Selangor State Assembly session on Friday.
Mohd Shafie had earlier asked about measures taken by the state government to maintain discipline and curb negative behaviour in religious schools, noting that data indicated the existence of deviant sexual behaviour and homosexual tendencies among students.
Amirudin pointed out that the risk is heightened in single-gender schools, where pupils are particularly vulnerable to uncontrolled digital exposure.
“The problem spreads more quickly because it moves through social platforms that have no limits,” he said.
He added that the state government will review suggested methodologies for collecting data on students’ minds, intelligence, and overall well-being as part of early preventive efforts.
The Menteri Besar emphasised the importance of collaboration between parents, schools, and relevant agencies to ensure tighter monitoring of digital device use and to prevent undesirable behaviour.
In response to a supplementary question from Muhammad Muhaimin Abdullah Sani (PN–Batang Kali) regarding the effects of social media and digital device use, Amirudin acknowledged that the issue of so-called ‘digital silence’ was being taken seriously.
He said that digital games and uncontrolled device use on social media were now among the factors influencing pupils’ behaviour, emotions, and cognitive development.
Amirudin referenced global research, including Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation, which highlights the emergence of a ‘generation of anxiety’ due to excessive digital exposure.
He added that the federal government is also exploring limits on social media use, similar to models implemented in Australia, in response to rising cases linked to video game influence, behavioural changes, and mental health issues among students.
“There are theories suggesting that recent cases arise from the influence of games that shape character and behaviour. Many studies have demonstrated clear effects on emotions, bullying, depression, and aggressive tendencies,” he said. - November 21, 2025
