Screens vs stress: Malaysian kids' mental health on the rise

New Straits Times

27-05-2025

IPOH: The mental health of children and adolescents in Malaysia is becoming an urgent concern, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta (HBUK) director Dr Ian Lloyd Anthony attributed this worrying trend to a variety of factors, including academic stress, high expectations, and the pervasive influence of technology and social media.
"The mental health challenges facing children today are becoming increasingly serious, especially post-Covid. With added pressures from schooling and the drive to succeed, children face demands far greater than those we experienced in our youth," he said.
Dr Ian said this after attending the Malaysian Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Psychiatry Conference, held at the Casuarina Hotel, Meru today.
The event, themed Mind in Bloom: Enhancing Child and Adolescent Wellbeing, was officiated by Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan.
Dr Ian also stressed the importance of parental control over device use, particularly given how social media could amplify pressures on young minds.
"When we were children, gadgets and social media were not part of our daily lives. Now, technology plays a significant role — not always positively. However, technology also brings benefits; it is about finding the right balance," he said, stressing that parental oversight is vital in helping children manage these pressures.
Dr Ian said that HBUK ran an active Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit where parents can simply walk in to seek help for their children.
"At HBUK, our Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit is supported by a dedicated team of medical officers. We have seen a steady increase in cases over recent years. Similar units operate at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) and Hospital Taiping," he said.
He added that psychiatric services for young people in Perak were well established and readily accessible.
"Parents do not need a formal referral to bring their children to Hospital Bahagia. Walk-ins are welcome, and our specialists provide immediate care. School teachers can also refer students directly," he added.
Regarding the rise in mental health cases, Dr Ian observed that they were seeing more children presenting with not only diagnosable conditions such as autism and ADHD, but also stress and adjustment difficulties impacting their development.
"Some children face intellectual disabilities and more severe mental health disorders, which are especially concerning. Our message is clear: seek help early. The sooner children receive care, the better their chances of recovery and a brighter future," he said.
Addressing the stigma often associated with mental health, Dr Ian urged parents to act swiftly.
"It is natural to worry about others' opinions, but early intervention is essential. Children respond better to treatment while still developing. Delaying help often exacerbates conditions and can lead to academic difficulties.
"Parents should remember that their child's wellbeing is paramount. Effective treatments are available to help children overcome their challenges," he added.