Child advocates have called for a focus on root causes in addressing rising crime among children, highlighting the need for cooperation among families, schools, the Education Ministry, and the public.
Malaysian Association for Social Workers (MASW) honorary secretary Amy Bala urged stakeholders to adopt a child-centred approach amid concerns over crime, violence, and disciplinary issues among schoolchildren.
Amy, a qualified social worker with over 40 years of experience, stressed the importance of teachers understanding how to support children beyond academic instruction.
“But these days, teachers are not just educators – they are also administrators. They have very little time to focus on being child-centred,” she said.
“Children also cannot feel safe if parents are unaware of what is happening in their school. Parents must play a bigger role.”
While school counsellors can provide support, Amy noted potential limitations.
“If the counsellor is a teacher, there is always a possibility of siding with the school. Children must have space to talk about their feelings – an avenue to express themselves,” she said.
“Sadly, more and more parents are unable to spend time talking and listening to their children.”
On the idea of allowing students to write in complaints or concerns to school administrators anonymously, Amy said it could be a viable solution.
Reflecting on her experience with juveniles, abandoned babies, abused children, and families from her early days with the Welfare Department, Amy said every case is unique.
“When I was with the Welfare Department, we organised courses and training for teachers to understand the emotional needs of children. Guidance is essential so teachers know what to look out for,” she said.
“However, I’m unsure if teachers still undergo such training these days.”
Amy highlighted the many reasons children become delinquent and commit serious offences, including rape or murder.
“Children do not turn to crime overnight. We must understand whether the source of the problem is school, family, or community,” she said.
“If a child is playing truant, we need to find out why – the root cause of their behaviour.”
Should social workers be more involved in schools?
Asked whether social workers should play a bigger role in schools given teachers’ limited experience, Amy said it should be on a case-by-case basis due to the insufficient number of social workers in the country.
“It is possible to have district-based social workers visit schools when required. There is always room for improvement if stakeholders are willing to work together,” she said.
Caning not the answer
Amy also opposed using caning as a disciplinary measure.
“Hurting a child achieves nothing. We need to solve problems – caning is not the solution,” she said.
“If a child has disciplinary issues, we must look at the root cause and understand why the behaviour is occurring.”
Mobile devices a double-edged sword
On children’s widespread use of mobile devices and social media, Amy warned it could contribute to rising social issues.
“Gadgets are no longer just educational tools – they are often used beyond their purpose. Children are accessing content beyond their age, including pornography,” she said.
“Parents often say they gave their child a phone just to make them happy, but it comes with serious consequences.”
Children today face greater pressures
Malaysian Council of Child Welfare President Datuk Yasmeen Shariff said children today experience stress that may lead to depression and risky behaviour, including injuries, substance abuse, and unsafe sexual practices.
She urged that crime among children be addressed from multiple angles through a comprehensive programme.
“We need security features in schools such as emergency buttons, CCTV, safety SOPs audited by the Education Ministry, and legal literacy programs for teachers, parents, and students,” Yasmeen said.
The council stressed the need for coordinated and consistent interventions to improve the mental and emotional health of young people, enabling informed choices.
One such intervention is Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in schools, which empowers children to celebrate differences and equips them with life skills to manage peer and life pressures.
