Start intervention early to curb SVA, say experts

The Star

20-07-2025

PETALING JAYA: Driven by dopamine-triggering features, the habit of endlessly scrolling through short videos is becoming a worrying trend in Malaysia – not just among adults, but increasingly among children too, say experts.
Consultant paediatrician and child disability activist Datuk Dr Amar Singh HSS said short video addiction (SVA) is now a global issue, and Malaysia is no exception.
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'Social media platforms like TikTok are attracting many young adults in Malaysia. Local studies have shown signs of TikTok addiction among youth,' he said when contacted.
One reason, he explained, lies in how these platforms are designed.
'They use algorithms that prio­ri­tise engagement, which often amplifies negative or sensational content. This kind of content is more attention-grabbing, which helps generate views and platform monetisation,' he said.
Supporting this, a study by Hong Kong-based Digital Business Lab showed TikTok's explosive growth in Malaysia.
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In the first half of 2024 alone, the platform recorded 81.7 million downloads, a 6.6% increase from the previous year.
ByteDance's advertising data also reported 28.68 million TikTok users aged 18 and above in Malay­sia, equivalent to 84.4% of total internet users.
'As of January 2024, TikTok is the most popular social media platform, with 21.9% of users saying they love its engaging short-form videos,' the report stated.
Child expert Syaza Soraya Sauli of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia stressed the importance of early intervention, beginning at home and in pre-schools.
'More parents are giving gad­gets to their children, especially phones. This leads to what's now being called 'virtual autism',' she said, referring to children who exhibit autism-like behaviours due to prolonged screen exposure and limited social interaction.
'Many children aged below seven are already showing signs such as short attention spans, avoidance of physical activities and limited soft skills.
'They complain about hand pain when writing, give up on colouring quickly, yet can sit through hours of short videos.'
These children often lack gross motor skills such as coordination and strength, she added.
When assessed, Syaza said they appear 'autistic', but the root issue is screen overexposure, not neurodevelopmental disorders.
'Our current education system doesn't help. There's only one teacher per 25 students and natio­nal policy only mandates 20 minutes of structured free-play in pre-schools daily – far too little to build physical skills.'
Syaza said addressing SVA requires cooperation between parents and schools.
'Parents must reduce their own screen time alongside their children's, gradually. It's not easy because children may become emotionally distressed when gad­gets are taken away,' she said, recommending alternative outlets like outdoor play to release energy and emotions.
'While parents do their part at home, education policymakers must also ensure balance in the school curriculum by combining digital literacy with physical, hands-on learning. There should be more experiential learning,' she added.
'Balance is key to preventing SVA from becoming a major problem, as seen in Singapore and China,' said Syaza, who is currently pursuing her PhD in educational psychology.