THE government is calling for stronger cooperation between families and schools in tackling youth crises, following the deaths of two teenagers that, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, underscore the urgent need for a united response.
Nancy said children rely on both institutions as bastions of love and guidance, and that recent tragedies in which young lives and futures were lost are deeply distressing.
“In an age when they should be receiving love, guidance and opportunities to flourish, incidents that cost lives and futures have occurred,” she said, adding that these cases reflect mounting pressures — moral, social and digital — that transcend home and school environments.
She voiced agreement with remarks by the Prime Minister stressing the need for firm action against social media misuse, but cautioned that stern enforcement must be tempered with empathy and understanding of root causes.
“It is not only a matter of discipline or technology, but also guidance, communication and love within families and school communities,” Nancy said.
Acknowledging the complex challenges faced by parents and children today, she said the ministry would continue improving its services, but noted it cannot act in isolation. She called on parents, teachers, communities and government to respond collectively to protect and guide the younger generation.
“Pointing fingers will not solve the problem. What is needed is love, care and joint action to protect and guide our younger generation,” she said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim elevated the issue of discipline and security in schools to the Cabinet level, signalling that it can no longer be shouldered by the Ministry of Education alone.
The move signals the government’s intention to respond more broadly and urgently following a string of school‑based incidents over recent weeks.
Education specialist Dr Anuar Ahmad welcomed the Cabinet‑level intervention, noting that recent school violence stems from a complex mix of weak school leadership, social media influence, pressure from peers and loss of authority among teachers.
He said tackling emotional stress and digital threats to students demands the coordinated effort of multiple ministries beyond just education, such as health and communications, and urged restoring teachers’ authority to discipline without fear of legal repercussions.
Psychologists, in turn, insist the challenge goes beyond discipline, pointing to the interplay of psychological, social and environmental factors.
The Malaysian Psychological Association (PSIMA) described the youth crisis as a sign of broader psychosocial distress needing systemic and collaborative intervention.
“Rising social problems among school students reflect a psychosocial crisis that must be addressed by all parties — not just schools and families, but also law enforcement, registered psychologists and policymakers,” said PSIMA President Dr Shazli Ezzat Ghazali.
He recommended swift deployment of evidence‑based measures, including emotional literacy programmes, early psychological support for at‑risk students, reinforcing referral systems and implementing school policies to address bullying, misconduct and violence.
PSIMA also urged enactment of a Malaysian Psychology Act to safeguard professional psychological practice. - October 15, 2025
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