PUTRAJAYA : Parents must be firmer and more responsible in monitoring their children’s activities on social media and online gaming platforms according to the Prime Minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Dr Wan Azizah emphasised that consistent supervision is crucial to shield the younger generation from the negative influences of the digital world. She expressed shock over recent incidents involving school students including a recorded rape case that was circulated and a murder where a victim was repeatedly stabbed. “From now on please monitor your children especially their online world either in social media or online gaming platforms,“ she said at the launch of the PsyQiQ Plus and certification programmes by Open University Malaysia. Dr Wan Azizah noted that even Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah has voiced concern over the impact of social media on youth. She revealed that her husband Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is committed to taking firm action regarding social media usage among youth. The Ministry of Education is currently reviewing immediate measures to address the situation according to Dr Wan Azizah. Anwar stated yesterday that strict action on school discipline and safety including social media influence will be discussed at the upcoming Cabinet meeting. Last Tuesday a shocking incident occurred at a secondary school in Selangor where a Form Four girl was fatally stabbed by a 14-year-old male student. This follows a series of disturbing school-related incidents including a gang rape case in Melaka involving four Form Five boys and a Form Three girl. Dr Wan Azizah also called for the establishment of more accessible and sustainable psychosocial support services for Malaysians. Citing Ministry of Health data from 2023 she noted that nearly 30% of Malaysian adults experience symptoms of stress anxiety or depression. “We want help channels to be easily accessible right at your fingertips,“ she added regarding mental health support. Dr Wan Azizah believes mental health issues require a more specific approach with specialised skills and certified training from legitimate organisations. Open University Malaysia introduced four new certification programmes at the event covering counselling psychology and Islamic studies. Also launched was PsyQiQ Plus a web-based application developed by OUM to conduct psychometric profiling for students. The event was attended by OUM president and vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang. – Bernama