Latest news with #UniversityPutraMalaysia
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
The algorithm effect: How social media feeds are normalising aggression in children
SHAH ALAM – Social media platforms may be unintentionally fuelling bullying by repeatedly feeding young users harmful and violent content. Experts warned that this constant exposure desensitises children to harm, distorts their understanding of consequences and embeds pro-aggression norms that spill over into real-life schoolyard behaviour. Manipal University College Malaysia Criminologist Nadiah Syariani Md Shariff said bullying is rarely caused by a single factor, but often emerges from a complex mix of personal, social, environmental, and situational influences. 'Bullying at school involving young age, reflects more pertinent issues such as control and power, apathy, pro-delinquent attitudes, decay of moral values, influence from violent content accessible online or offline, or unwilling bystanders to report or interfere. 'It could be rooted to one factor in a specific case, but mostly is a result of a combination of multiple factors,' she said when reached out by Sinar Daily recently. Nadiah emphasised that a lack of parental engagement during early childhood development plays a crucial role. Empathy, she explained, begins to form between the ages of 3 and 5. Poor parenting during this period, she added, can hinder emotional growth and cognitive empathy. 'Without proper guidance, children may grow into individuals who are self-centred, dismissive of others' rights, demanding, and prone to aggression at the slightest provocation,' she said. She also noted the increasing dominance of screen time in children's lives, with many glued to devices from a young age. This, she said, reduces real-life family interaction, even when everyone is physically together, and heightens exposure to online risks. Nadiah stated that spending more time online logically leads to greater exposure to digital threats and increased vulnerability. This not only raises the risk of engaging in inappropriate online behaviour but also of becoming a victim of cyberbullying or other forms of cyber harm. Nadiah further warned that excessive internet use can fuel a host of issues, from cyberbullying and internet addiction to mental health challenges. 'A substantial amount of research showed that high internet engagement, or worse, online addiction, can lead to various problematic behaviours, both online and offline,' she said. Nadiah pointed out that excessive screen time can lead to agitation, impulsiveness, and poor attention span, while also limiting the development of key interpersonal skills, making it harder to manage emotions and handle pressure effectively. On the other hand, University Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Human Ecology, Department of Social and Development Sciences, senior lecturer, Dr Wan Munira Wan Jaafar said rising bullying cases in Malaysia are driven by shifts in family dynamics, school environments, community structures and online culture. With almost all Malaysian youths active on social media, cyberbullying has become easier, more anonymous, and more damaging, often amplified by viral sharing, said University Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Human Ecology, Department of Social and Development Sciences, senior lecturer, Dr Wan Munira Wan Jaafar. Photo: Canva 'With almost all Malaysian youths active on social media, cyberbullying has become easier, more anonymous, and more damaging, often amplified by viral sharing. 'At the same time, some children grow up in homes where harsh discipline or domestic violence normalises aggression, while school environments with weak enforcement or seniority culture can encourage bullying to gain status,' she told Sinar Daily recently. She noted that popular culture and online content that glorify violence or humiliation influence behaviour, especially among boys pressured to assert dominance. In urban areas, the breakdown of close-knit 'kampung' communities has also reduced adult supervision and weakened informal social control. While the Education Ministry has anti-bullying guidelines, Munira said enforcement is often inconsistent, and reluctance to openly address cases can allow the issue to persist unchecked. Research has consistently shown that repeated exposure to violent content, be it in films, TV, or video games, can desensitise children, distort empathy, and reinforce the idea that violence is a legitimate way to resolve conflicts. Munira said in Malaysia, where many youths spend long hours online with little parental oversight, the impact can be even greater. 'Violent media often rewards dominance and humiliation, subtly teaching that such behavior gains respect or entertainment value; attitudes that can spill over into school bullying,' she added. She further said that from a psychological perspective, Social Learning Theory explains that children imitate behaviours that appear to gain approval or rewards. Cultivation Theory further warns that repeated exposure to violent media gradually shifts a child's worldview, making aggression seem normal or acceptable. She added that although not all children exposed to such content become bullies, those lacking strong family guidance, facing peer pressure, or growing up in poorly managed school environments are particularly vulnerable. Munira also emphasised how harmful online trends, such as public shaming, humiliation "challenges", or mocking videos, are often rewarded with likes and shares, reinforcing toxic behaviour among youth. 'In Malaysia, where TikTok, Instagram, and X are highly popular among young users, social approval often comes from aggressive or humiliating content. This sends a message that such behaviour is not only acceptable, but entertaining,' she said. Munira linked these patterns to Symbolic Interactionism, which explains how the meaning of bullying is redefined through repeated online exposure, transforming it from something 'harmful' to something perceived as 'funny' or 'normal.' 'Peer validation in school now mirrors 'likes' on social media. Once bullying behaviour is normalised online, it becomes easier for it to be replicated offline,' she added. The rise in bullying, both online and offline, also reflects wider generational and societal shifts. Today's children, members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are the first to grow up entirely immersed in digital environments. Their social lives, entertainment, and sense of identity are all shaped online. In Malaysia, Munira said that this has led to a culture where validation is measured in shares and comments, encouraging behaviour that draws attention, even if it involves humiliation or aggression. 'From a sociological perspective, Symbolic Interactionism helps explain how constant engagement with online content reshapes the meaning of acceptable behavior, while Social Learning Theory suggests that young people model behaviours, including bullying that gain social rewards in digital spaces,' she added. She pointed out that society has shifted away from communal child-rearing to individualised, screen-focused parenting, reducing adult supervision and allowing digital norms to influence real-world behaviour. 'The result is a generation increasingly exposed to, and sometimes accepting of bullying as part of daily social interaction,' she said.
Sinar Daily
02-08-2025
- General
- Sinar Daily
It starts at home: Raising children who don't become bullies
PARENTS and guardians naturally want to protect their children from harm, whether online or in real life. But in focusing solely on their safety, many overlook a difficult truth: what if their child is not the victim, but the bully? It's a scenario no parent wants to imagine, but it is vital to address. The best way to prevent bullying is to start early, before harmful behaviours take root. Experts believe that teaching empathy, promoting moral courage, and modelling respectful behaviour are crucial in raising children who don't become bullies. By encouraging open communication, celebrating kindness, and providing positive examples, parents can shape the attitudes and actions of their children in meaningful ways. According to University Putra Malaysia, Institute for Social Science Studies (IPSAS), Laboratory of Youth and Community Wellbeing, Head Laboratory, Dr Aini Azeqa Ma'rof, Malaysia's multicultural society offers valuable opportunities for teaching empathy. She stated that intercultural friendships, storytelling, and community involvement help reduce 'in-group' bias, one of the common contributors to bullying. Image for illustrative purposes only. - CANVA 'Teenagers are deeply influenced by peer norms. According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, behavior is shaped by perceived social norms, attitudes, and perceived control. 'To encourage 'upstander' behavior, adults need to promote group norms that reward kindness and moral courage,' she said when contacted recently. Dr Aini emphasised that parents can strengthen empathy by encouraging children to consider other people's feelings through daily conversations. Referring to Bandura's Social Learning Theory, she reminded that children learn by imitation, so when parents act with kindness and respect, children tend to follow. She also highlighted the role schools can play by implementing peer-led initiatives, mentorship schemes, and digital storytelling campaigns where teenagers share real-life stories of standing up to bullying. 'Parents, meanwhile, can reinforce this by celebrating acts of allyship and encouraging ethical reflection: 'What kind of friend or person do you want to be?'' she added. Dr Aini stressed that an emotionally supportive home environment is key. Two-way communication helps children develop emotional regulation and self-awareness, both of which reduce the likelihood of bullying behaviours. She added homes where children can express their emotions without fear of punishment are more likely to raise emotionally intelligent individuals who understand fairness, compassion, and the consequences of their actions. 'Social psychology tells us about the bystander effect where people are less likely to intervene when others are present. Teens may feel unsure or afraid of backlash. 'Parents can counter this by role-playing scenarios at home, affirming that doing something like reporting, checking on the victim, alerting a teacher is better than doing nothing,' she said. Dr Aini further advised that rather than framing intervention as a confrontation, parents should present it as a form of community care: 'You're helping someone feel safe and seen.' This reframing encourages teenagers to move from fear to action. CPC International, managing director and child psychologist expert, Dr Noor Aishah Rosli. In support of these views, CPC International, managing director and child psychologist expert, Dr Noor Aishah Rosli, added that empathy needs to be actively modelled by parents, not just taught. 'Since toddlerhood, teach them about emotion through videos or pictures. Also encourage perspective- taking, for example 'how would you feel if that happened to you?' 'It also helps to use role play to help the children understand certain emotions,' she told Sinar Daily recently. She also recommended that parents regularly praise positive behaviour, using affirmations like 'good job' or 'great' to encourage moral development. She stressed that teenagers are more likely to intervene in bullying situations when they feel supported and when moral courage is modelled at home through discussions of real-life events. Dr Aishah added that schools should implement clear bystander intervention programmes and teach students assertiveness strategies, which empower them to act when witnessing injustice. She also highlighted the importance of creating an emotionally safe home environment with open, warm, and non-judgemental communication. This helps children regulate their emotions and feel confident discussing difficult situations. She said parents should respond to concerns with validation and understanding. 'Emphasise that doing nothing may unintentionally support the bully and even small gesture,' she added. Building a more compassionate and respectful community starts at home. Raising children who do not become bullies begins with early, intentional efforts to model empathy, teach moral courage, and encourage open dialogue. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, so let us take the first step to ensure a safe and caring environment for all.
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Azeem charges into World University Games semis
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's fastest man, Azeem Fahmi, won his heat to qualify for the 100m semi-finals in the World University Games at Bochum, Germany yesterday. The 21-year-old Auburn University student in Alabama, United States, clocked 10.57. He registered the 13th fastest time among 54 sprinters. Another Malaysian, Aliff Iman Fahmi clocked 11.09 to finish fifth in heat five. Thailand's Puripol Boonson achieved the fastest heat time of 10.23. Sea Games gold medallist Umar Osman qualified for the men's 400m semi-finals after posting 46.97 to finish fourth in heat four. In the men's 400m hurdles, Fakhrul Afizul Nasir timed 1:11.87 to finish eighth and last in heat two. Meanwhile, Olympian Azreen Nabila Alias of University Putra Malaysia registered 12.04 to finish seventh in the women's 100m heat four. Nur Afrina Batrisyia from UPM did not qualify for the women's 100m semi-finals after clocking 12.32 to finish fifth in heat three.
Sinar Daily
28-06-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Avoiding LGBTQ+ issues may leave youth misinformed and vulnerable
OPEN conversations about LGBTQ+ issues, although sensitive, are crucial for society. Avoiding or suppressing these discussions can backfire, leading to misinformation, confusion, and long-term social challenges. Encouraging respectful dialogue helps build understanding and resilience, especially among young people already exposed to these topics online. Rather than hiding from the issue, society must engage with it openly and wisely. The risks of silence and suppression University Putra Malaysia, Institute for Social Science Studies (IPSAS), Laboratory of Youth and Community Wellbeing, Head Laboratory, Dr Aini Azeqa Ma'rof said avoiding LGBT topics may seem like a way to protect cultural or religious values, but it often creates more problems. From a social psychology perspective, silence can lead to misunderstanding, fear, and shame. She pointed out that many Malaysian youth already encounter LGBT content on social media, regardless of whether adults talk about it. 'If we remain silent, young people may turn to online influencers, strangers, or unreliable websites for answers. Without proper guidance, they may develop misunderstandings, confusion, or even harmful ideas. 'Talking about this topic openly, in respectful and age-appropriate ways, gives us the chance to correct wrong ideas and offer balanced perspectives,' she said when contacted recently. Teenage years are a critical time for identity formation, she noted, and if young people's questions are ignored or met with fear, they may feel isolated or ashamed. This can harm their mental health and distance them from their families and communities. She further said that talking about LGBTQ+ does not mean are supporting it, it means helping the young people understand the world around them, and how to make choices based on their values. These conversations can still reflect our religious and cultural beliefs, as long as they are done with wisdom and compassion. Dr Aini stressed that talking about LGBT issues does not mean endorsing them, it's about helping young people understand the world around them while staying grounded in their values. 'In today's world, staying silent is not neutral, it is a choice. If we want to guide our youth, we need to be present in the conversation, not absent,' she added. Image for illustrative purposes only. - Canva Social media's influence and the need for safe spaces Dr Aini also highlighted the powerful influence of platforms like TikTok, where youth are exposed to content on gender, identity, and relationships. Rather than trying to block access, she suggested the better approach is to create safe spaces for discussion and teach critical thinking. 'If parents or teachers respond with anger or shame, youth may shut down and turn to less trustworthy sources,' she said. Adults should ask open questions like 'What do you think this means?' or 'How does this fit with our values?' to encourage reflection over reaction. Media literacy is essential, she added, as many youth don't understand how algorithms shape what they see online. Teaching them to analyse content critically gives them more control over their beliefs. Dr Aini noted parents and educators should also express their values clearly but kindly, as young people are more likely to listen when they feel respected. 'We can't control everything our children see. But we can influence how they understand it. 'Our job is not to isolate them, but to anchor them, with faith, knowledge, and respect so they can stand firm in a complex world,' she said. Suppressing LGBT conversations fuels misinformation Echoing this view, University Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Human Ecology, Department of Social and Development Sciences, senior lecturer, Dr Wan Munira Wan Jaafar said that suppressing LGBT discussions only deepens misinformation and stigma. Avoiding the topic can push youth toward online sources that lack context or promote polarised views. "Discussions about LGBT issues should be age-appropriate, context-sensitive, and academically framed. 'They are not about advocacy, but about equipping youth to understand the complexities of identity, diversity, and media influence. 'Moreover, silence on these issues may inadvertently increase social marginalisation and mental health challenges among youth who are questioning their identity or encountering these themes in daily life,' she said. In reality, many educators and parents are already addressing these issues quietly. Dr Wan Munira highlighted that some secondary school counsellors in urban areas of Malaysia have received private questions from students exposed to LGBTQ+ content online, showing that the conversation is already taking place, though not always in safe or structured settings. She stressed that instead of reacting with fear or censorship, parents and educators should offer thoughtful, supportive guidance. She noted that platforms like TikTok act as cultural spaces where young people encounter a wide range of ideas. Simply avoiding or blocking content is not a sustainable strategy. Instead, she recommended equipping youth with media literacy skills, understanding how algorithms work, evaluating credibility, and distinguishing between content that represents versus promotes certain ideas. Open, values-based dialogue is key, she added. Parents and teachers can create safe spaces where youth feel heard, while gently grounding conversations in shared moral and cultural values. 'This isn't about choosing between acceptance or rejection. It's about empathy, understanding, and a more nuanced view of identity,' she said. Bridging generational gaps through dialogue Recognising generational gaps is also important. Dr Wan Munira pointed to intergenerational learning models, such as workshops led by NGOs like Empower, where youth and adults explore media together to build shared understanding. She also urged a shift from reactive strategies like banning or silence to proactive approaches focused on mentoring, critical thinking, and compassionate engagement. 'Young people are already forming opinions online. The question is, will their understanding be shaped by silence, or by responsible adult guidance?' she added.
Sinar Daily
28-06-2025
- General
- Sinar Daily
Malaysian youth need critical media literacy to navigate LGBTQ+ conversations online
LGBTQ+ content is no longer hidden in the margins of the internet, it's front and centre across social media platforms where young Malaysians spend most of their time. From trending TikTok to Instagram reels celebrating global pride movements, exposure to diverse sexual identities is now part of the everyday scroll. However, this isn't something that can be filtered out or turned off; it's embedded in the digital culture shaping the next generation. In a country as religiously and culturally diverse as Malaysia, conversations around LGBTQ+ topics remain sensitive and often polarising. However, with global content flooding the feeds of young users daily, experts say that shielding them is neither practical nor productive. Instead, what's needed is preparation, rooted in critical thinking, empathy, and moral clarity. The need for critical media literacy University Putra Malaysia, Institute for Social Science Studies (IPSAS), Laboratory of Youth and Community Wellbeing, Head Laboratory, Dr Aini Azeqa Ma'rof said today's generation is growing up in a completely different environment compared to their predecessors. 'TikTok and Instagram are not just for fun, they are powerful tools that shape how young people think about identity, relationships, and society. 'Among the topics that often appear on these platforms is the issue of LGBT, usually framed around ideas of acceptance, diversity, and human rights. 'For many young Malaysians, the challenge is not just in understanding what they see online, but in making sense of it within the moral, cultural, and religious values they have grown up with,' she said in an interview with Sinar Daily. She stressed the importance of equipping young people with media literacy skills that go beyond simply knowing how to use technology. They need to learn to ask more probing questions. Who is producing this content? What values are being conveyed? Does this reflect or challenge my own beliefs? 'This kind of reflection helps them make sense of diverse perspectives without being easily swayed by sensationalism or extreme views,' she explained. In Malaysia's unique context, where Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Indigenous beliefs intersect, the youth need tools to reflect critically while remaining anchored in their cultural and religious roots. Photo: Canva Balancing empathy and moral clarity Dr Aini also highlighted the need for empathy, not as blind agreement, but as a way to acknowledge human dignity while holding firm to personal values. In a multicultural country like Malaysia, social maturity means respecting others without feeling personally threatened. 'Moral clarity is no longer about memorising a list of do's and don'ts. It's about learning how to make ethical decisions, balancing personal beliefs with social responsibility,' she said. She believes the solution lies in collective conversations, parents, educators, and community leaders must engage youth in open dialogue. Not to lecture, but to guide. Not to dictate, but to nurture reflection and confidence. In the meantime, University Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Human Ecology, Department of Social and Development Sciences, senior lecturer, Dr Wan Munira Wan Jaafar shared a similar view. She pointed out that platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become arenas where identity, values, and global norms are constantly negotiated. 'Young Malaysians are exposed to global perspectives every day. 'We must invest in comprehensive media literacy education that goes beyond technical skills to include moral reasoning, intercultural understanding, and critical engagement with content,' she said when contacted recently. Preparing young Malaysians isn't just about protecting them, it's about empowering them to think deeply, act wisely, and engage the world with both strength and compassion. Photo: Canva Values-based education for a multicultural society She noted that in Malaysia's unique context, where Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Indigenous beliefs intersect, the youth need tools to reflect critically while remaining anchored in their cultural and religious roots. Dr Wan Munira said some schools have already introduced values-based media literacy modules in moral or civics classes. These programs encourage students to analyse viral content and engage in respectful, structured discussions. 'The key lies in dialogical education, where the aim is not to promote a particular lifestyle but to create safe spaces for inquiry and understanding. We must differentiate between discussing a phenomenon and endorsing it,' she added. According to her, approaching the subject from a socio-cultural rather than ideological standpoint helps students understand how global narratives shape local identity without forcing them to abandon their core values. She further said that at the university level, interdisciplinary courses in communication, sociology, and religious studies are already examining Western portrayals of gender and sexuality, contrasting them with Malaysian perspectives to foster dialogue rather than division. 'These analyses are then contrasted with local norms, allowing students to appreciate both divergence and coexistence without being forced into binary positions,' she said. Ultimately, both academics agree that silence and fear-based avoidance do more harm than good. When difficult conversations are handled with wisdom, they promote understanding, not conflict. In this digital era, preparing young Malaysians isn't just about protecting them, it's about empowering them to think deeply, act wisely, and engage the world with both strength and compassion.
