The influence of social media on recent school violence in Malaysia — what parents, teachers and caregivers should know

Over the past few years Malaysia has seen a worrying rise in bullying and violent incidents among schoolchildren — from online harassment to physical assaults — and social media is repeatedly named as an important factor that multiplies risks. This matters for child psychologists, parents and schools because the channels children use to communicate are now global, persistent and often anonymous.

Below I explain how social media can influence violence in schools, summarize what Malaysian data and authorities are saying, and give practical, psychology-informed steps parents and schools can take to reduce harm and build safer environments.

How social media shapes (and sometimes amplifies) aggressive behaviour

1. Normalization and imitation. Short videos, challenges, or viral clips that show aggression can normalize violent behaviours. When kids repeatedly see peers rewarded with likes and shares after aggressive acts, it strengthens the message that aggression brings attention — a powerful social reward for adolescents. Experts say social media doesn’t necessarily cause violence but can act as a powerful multiplier of risk and imitation.

2. Rapid escalation and coordination. Messaging apps and group chats make it easy to plan or coordinate meet-ups, group bullying or fights. Incidents that might once have stayed local can now be organized, recorded and spread within minutes. Recent coverage of school incidents shows this pattern repeatedly.

3. Humiliation and permanence. Cyberbullying leaves a permanent trace. Humiliating images or videos circulated online prolong shame and retaliation cycles; victims can become more isolated, angry or depressed — risk factors for later aggressive acts. National statistics highlight significant increases in both bullying and cyberbullying reports in recent years.

4. Anonymity and disinhibition. Online anonymity lowers social inhibitions. Children who wouldn’t act aggressively face-to-face may lash out behind screens. That emboldening effect can translate into real-world aggression when online conflicts spill into schoolyards.

   
   

What Malaysian authorities and experts are doing / saying

Malaysia’s rising school bullying and violence figures have prompted public debate and policy actions — from calls to tighten social-media controls to discussions about school smartphone rules and age verification on platforms. The government has engaged platforms like TikTok about age checks, and there’s ongoing conversation about restricting smartphone use in schools to reduce harm. At the same time, experts stress that enforcement alone won’t solve the deeper social and psychological drivers of violence.

Practical, psychology-informed steps — for parents, schools and clinicians

Below are concise, evidence-informed actions you can begin using today.

For parents / caregivers

• Talk early and often. Regular, non-judgemental conversations about online life, friendships, and feelings reduce secrecy and help children bring problems to you before they escalate.

• Teach digital empathy and bystander skills. Role-play how to respond when they see teasing or harassment online: how to support a peer, how to preserve evidence, and when to tell an adult.

• Set boundaries — and model them. Agree on screen times, device-free family routines, and respectful online behaviour. Model calm responses when you receive upsetting online content.

• Watch for behaviour changes. Withdrawal, sudden mood swings, sleep problems or aggressive talk may signal cyberbullying involvement (as victim or perpetrator) and warrant supportive intervention.

  
  

For schools and educators

• Adopt upstream prevention. Social-emotional learning (SEL) and conflict-resolution curricula reduce aggression over time better than solely punitive measures.

• Clear digital policies + reporting routes. Make it simple and confidential for students to report cyberbullying; train staff to preserve evidence and respond promptly.

• Engage families. Host short parent workshops on digital safety and mental health; align school/home expectations around device use.

• Provide supported exits from cycles of shame. Offer counselling, restorative practices, and safe ways for students to repair harm rather than only excluding them.