Schools must do more to address student mental health crisis - Alliance for a Safe Community
The Alliance for a Safe Community recommended increasing the number of trained counsellors in schools to handle sensitive issues and provide students with coping strategies and emotional support.
KUALA LUMPUR - The Alliance for a Safe Community has urged the Ministry of Education (MOE) to take immediate action to address the pressing issue of mental health among secondary school students to safeguard the future of Malaysia’s younger generation.
Its chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said the increasing cases of mental health issues, coupled with tragic instances of suicide, highlight the severe emotional and psychological stress many students endure due to academic pressure, parental expectations, and the challenges of adolescence. These should be treated as an urgent call to action, he added.
Lee, who is also a member of the Mental Health Advisory Council, recommended increasing the number of trained counsellors in schools to handle sensitive issues and provide students with coping strategies and emotional support.
"Every school must have access to a sufficient number of trained counsellors who can identify and assist students struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges," he said in a statement.
He also proposed incorporating mental health education into the curriculum to promote understanding and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This initiative, he added, can help students recognise signs of mental distress in themselves and their peers and seek help early.
"Schools should conduct regular workshops on stress management, mindfulness and time management to equip students with the tools to handle academic and personal pressures effectively," he added.
Lee said all parties, including the MOE, non-governmental organisations and schools should cooperate in providing expert training for school staff, conducting mental health screenings and giving access to helplines as well as other resources for immediate assistance in times of crisis for students.
"The well-being of our students is a shared responsibility. By addressing the mental health challenges faced by our youth, we can create a supportive environment that nurtures their growth, resilience, and ability to thrive in life. We must act now to safeguard the future of our younger generation," he said.
Lee said the Alliance for a Safe Community is also ready to work with MoE, parents and community leaders to make mental health support a reality in every school. - BERNAMA
