Suicidal thoughts and screen addiction: a wake-up call for all parents

as Research on more than 4,300 children in the U.S. demonstrated disastrous connections between addictive use of digital devices and severe mental health dangers, such depression, anxiety, aggression, and suicidal thoughts. This is not only about children spending too much time playing games or scrolling excessively; it is an increasing epidemic of health, one that most parents remain oblivious to until it is too late. The use of screens among children has become predominant in Malaysia. A survey conducted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in 2023 has established that 92% of children between the ages of 5 and 17 use the internet daily. Even healthy screen time may become compulsive if it is not properly monitored, particularly in the post-pandemic world where online learning and digital entertainment have become the new normal. Parents in Malaysia must be aware of how screen addiction is built up and how the addiction can be prevented.