MENTAL health issues among the younger generation in Sarawak have reached unprecedentedly serious levels.
The number of youngsters showing serious behavioural problems in their families, in schools and in society has increased by a big margin compared to past generations, said Sibu Member of Parliament Oscar Ling.
Speaking at a gathering of mental health specialists and volunteers in Sibu, he said mental health authorities are calling on the education and health ministries to tackle these issues with more organised and holistic methods.
"Emphasising only on physical well-being of children and teens in schools and in the community is no longer enough.
"There must be specific lessons or sessions in schools and programmes in the community for mental health awareness talks with time for pupils to share and discuss issues relating to their emotional and psychological needs.
"The fast pace of social media advancements is seeing young ones getting hooked, influenced and affected by the content they find online.
"Unprecedented pressure in their academic life and family situations and in society are causing more stress for these young ones," he said.
In the past, he said there was more focus on the physical well-being of pupils.
While this must also continue, Ling said attention also now needs to be given to their mental state with more counselling and therapy sessions.
Community bodies, religious organisations and family groups must also give these mental health issues affecting the young greater attention, he said.
“Support from those outside school is also very important to identify and tackle these issues at an early stage,” he added. - October 7, 2024
