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THE fatal stabbing of a female student in a Bandar Utama school last October, coupled with increasing reports of bullying in schools nationwide, has exposed what Alliance For a Safe Community Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye describes as a “deep-seated crisis” of youth violence that demands urgent national intervention.
“This is more than a disciplinary problem; it is a breakdown of character and noble values, and a harmful digital influence,” Lee said, highlighting the complex interplay of social, familial, and technological factors contributing to violent behaviour among young people.
He pointed out that parents often lack the time to connect with their children, while schools frequently prioritise academic performance over emotional development.
Meanwhile, harmful online content has become a primary source of social engagement for minors, amplifying the risks of isolation and aggressive behaviour.
“This situation demands a swift and comprehensive national response. We must look at proactive, systemic solutions to protect the mental health of minors from harmful digital environments,” Tan Sri Lee urged, calling for a holistic strategy to safeguard youth.
Central to his recommendations is the integration of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into Malaysia’s national curriculum, modelled on systems in countries like Denmark.
“Every student needs consistent, mandatory instruction in empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional literacy to build resilience and respect,” he said.
Lee emphasised the need to extend education beyond basic information and communications technology (ICT) skills, teaching children and parents alike to be critical, ethical, and responsible digital citizens.
This includes learning to assess online content, understanding the consequences of digital behaviour, and recognising signs of online aggression.
Equally critical, he said, is equipping parents with the tools to guide and support their children through mandatory, accessible workshops on digital parenting.
“The responsibility cannot solely fall on teachers; parents must be present, model healthy values, and actively foster real-world connections that digital platforms cannot replace,” he stressed.
While laws can regulate technology, Tan Sri Lee argued that lasting safety and civility must be cultivated through values-based education.
“We must ensure a future for our children defined by connection, empathy, and respect, not violence and digital isolation,” he concluded.
The Alliance For a Safe Community is pressing for these reforms as part of a nationwide effort to create safer schools, healthier digital environments, and a culture of character development and parental involvement at the heart of youth education policy. - December 14, 2025