Latest news with #CommunityandPrivateSectorInvolvement
The Star
11-08-2025
- The Star
Education Ministry to carry out safety audit at all schools with immediate effect
PETALING JAYA: A safety audit will be carried out immediately in all educational institutions, including fully residential schools (SBP) and daily boarding schools (asrama harian), says the Education Ministry. In a statement Monday (Aug 11), the ministry said the audit will focus on compliance with all standard operating procedures (SOP) related to safety aspects. 'The audit report will be presented to the Education Ministry's top management within three months,' the statement read. The Education Ministry also said that it is taking important steps to ensure that safety issues in all educational institutions under its purview are preserved. This includes making improvements to the school safety SOP and measures to address disciplinary issues, including bullying offences. 'The existing complaints system, including the Bullying Complaints Portal, will be reformed. 'It will be simplified and will include an anonymous option to protect the identity of complainants and witnesses,' the statement read. An Education Ministry educational institution safety reform committee will also be established to ensure safety measures are strengthened. 'Members of this committee will include academics, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), experts from various fields, the police, and representatives from the Parents, Community and Private Sector Involvement (PIBKS),' it said. The Education Ministry also said that there will be no compromise on bullying offences and firm action must be taken, including suspension and expulsion from school. 'The 'Bangkit Bermaruah' intervention programme, focusing on community service and character development, will be introduced specifically for students who are suspended from school. 'Administrators, teachers, as well as officers at district education offices and state education departments who fail to manage bullying complaints in accordance with existing guidelines will face disciplinary action,' the statement added. Psychosocial support, the Education Ministry said, will continue to be strengthened at every level to ensure the well-being of students, teachers, and the entire school community. 'Guidance and counselling teachers play an important role in prevention and intervention efforts to address bullying offences. 'At the same time, the Education Ministry calls on all parties to work together to address bullying in a comprehensive and integrated manner. 'Creating a safe school ecosystem is our shared responsibility,' the statement read.
The Star
29-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Avoid relying solely on AI for mental health support
JOHOR BARU: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to seek mental health support, especially among children and teenagers, must be approached cautiously, say groups here. Johor Baru Befrienders board of trustee member Danny Loo (pic) said that while AI may offer an outlet to express mental health struggles, it is important to note that the responses generated are based on information retrieved online, including sources that are inaccurate. 'It may offer a space for those who are lonely to seek emotional support or simply to vent, but this should be approached with caution. 'We must remember that AI responses are based on data gathered from the Internet, which is often very general and could even be wrong. 'This may risk individuals seeking mental health support, including children and teenagers, getting the wrong advice that could potentially worsen their situation.' Loo, who is also a member of Hospital Sultanah Aminah's psychiatric board of visitors, said proper assessment is key for anyone seeking mental health help. 'It is important for them to go through it with a professional who could come up with personalised treatments and support. 'A generalised response is far from enough, as each individual is different and responds to different approaches.' Loo also noted that despite the seemingly increased reliance on AI, especially among youngsters, Johor Baru Befrienders are seeing more awareness among the group. 'We have been conducting awareness campaigns with schools in the last five years, which I believe has helped encourage youngsters to reach out to us. 'We see this through the number of calls we receive from the group, which has been gradually increasing every year,' he said, adding that Johor Baru Befrienders receive an average of 300 calls a month. Parents, Community and Private Sector Involvement (PIBKS) national chairman Datuk Yahya Jaafar said that there is a need for the government to carry out studies on the matter. 'Like it or not, children and teenagers will be using AI. In fact, it is encouraged for them to do so for their studies,' Yahya said. 'Some may also use AI to seek mental health support, but at the moment, we do not really know whether this brings more harm or good.' While PIBKS had yet to receive complaints from parents on the matter, he said they will keep a close eye on it.
