A new report underscores the critical need for dedicated mental health professionals to support children, relieving the burden on educators and addressing a growing crisis fueled by digital exposure.
A parliamentary committee has issued a stark warning: managing children’s mental health requires specialized services, and expecting teachers to shoulder this responsibility is unsustainable. The recommendations, presented to the Dewan Rakyat on December 3, 2025, center on bolstering the National Centre of Excellence in Mental Health (NCEMH) and implementing proactive measures to safeguard children in an increasingly digital world.
Empowering the NCEMH for Comprehensive Care
The Special Select Committee on Women, Children, and Community Development, chaired by Yeo Bee Yin, is advocating for a significant investment in the NCEMH. “The committee has recommended that the government empower NCEMH by increasing the number of medical specialists and psychologists and boosting its funding to address mental health issues among children,” Yeo stated. This expansion would enable the NCEMH to collaborate more effectively with the Ministry of Education, implementing regular mental health screenings in schools.
Furthermore, the strengthened NCEMH would be tasked with training school staff to recognize warning signs of digital addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder, facilitating early referrals to appropriate healthcare institutions. This proactive approach is seen as crucial in preventing issues from escalating.
Addressing Cultural and Digital Risks
The committee’s findings also highlight the impact of cultural norms on children’s emotional well-being. The report recommends a review of educational materials to address an overemphasis on social conformity. “Research has shown that cultural norms that stress social conformity and avoiding conflict can contribute to increased social anxiety,” Yeo added.
The report also draws a disturbing link between digital exposure and sexual exploitation. Nearly half of all sexual crime cases involving children were connected to early exposure to pornography and explicit digital content, while 30% of cases at certain rehabilitation centers stemmed from a lack of control over gadget use.
Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Parental Support
Beyond mental health services and digital safety, the committee is calling for revisions to statutory rape laws to ensure equal accountability. They also advocate for expanded efforts to combat the proliferation of child sexual abuse materials online.
Recognizing the vital role of families, the committee urged the National Population and Family Development Board to intensify parenting education programs. The goal is to improve parenting literacy and foster stronger family relationships, providing a supportive environment for children’s emotional development.
Alarming Statistics on Digital Engagement and Gaming Disorder
The committee’s findings are supported by concerning data on children’s digital habits. According to the report, 55.7% of children spend one to four hours daily online, and 60.7% own their own devices. A study involving 5,290 teenagers revealed that 3.5% have been diagnosed with Internet Gaming Disorder, impacting an estimated 315,000 children nationwide.
The consequences of this disorder are severe: among those diagnosed, 48.1% experience severe anxiety, 37.4% suffer from serious depression, and 18.2% endure significant stress. These figures underscore the urgent need for intervention and support.
The committee’s comprehensive recommendations represent a critical step toward prioritizing the mental health and safety of children in a rapidly evolving world.
