Mental health of students must be national priority, says Lee Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR: Mental health and emotional well-being among school students must be treated as a national priority alongside academic achievement, discipline and physical safety, says the Alliance for a Safe Community (Ikatan).

Its chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said recent cases involving students should not be viewed as isolated incidents, but as a reminder of the need for stronger mental health support in schools.

"Every school must become a safe environment where students feel protected, heard and able to seek help without fear of stigma or punishment.

"While the government has taken steps to strengthen mental health screening, counselling and early intervention, these efforts must be implemented comprehensively and consistently nationwide," he said in a statement.

He called for stronger school counselling services, with counsellors relieved of excessive administrative duties and schools given access to qualified psychologists and mental health professionals.

He also urged regular and confidential mental health screening to identify warning signs including behavioural changes, withdrawal, aggression, declining academic performance, absenteeism, self-harm, anxiety and depression.

"Teachers are often the first adults to notice changes in a student's behaviour. They should be trained to recognise psychological distress, bullying, trauma and self-harm risks, and know how to refer students for appropriate help," he said in a statement today.

Lee also called for stronger measures against bullying and cyberbullying, including clear reporting channels, rapid intervention and effective follow-up.

He said schools, parents and healthcare professionals need greater cooperation, while mental health literacy should be incorporated into education to help students develop coping skills, emotional regulation and conflict resolution.

"Schools should also have clear crisis-response and postvention mechanisms to provide psychological support to students, teachers and the wider school community following serious incidents," he said.

Lee said recent serious incidents involving students highlighted the importance of early detection and ensuring those requiring professional psychiatric or psychological care received proper assessment and follow-up.

"We must move from a 'wait until something happens' approach to a 'detect early, intervene early and prevent harm' approach," he said.

Lee urged the government to establish a comprehensive School Mental Health and Well-being Framework involving the Education and Health Ministries, counsellors, psychologists, teachers, parents, students and relevant non-governmental organisations.

"Mental health is not merely a medical issue. It is a school safety issue, a family issue and a community issue," he said.