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Parents urged to take active role in children's discipline, character building

Education authorities have called on Malaysian parents to shoulder greater responsibility for their children's discipline and moral development, rather than relying solely on schools. The appeal comes amid growing concerns that academic achievement alone is insufficient for holistic child development.

LSN Malaysia · 28 September 2026

Parents urged to take active role in children's discipline, character building

Parents have been reminded that schools cannot be the sole custodians of their children's discipline, safety and character formation, with education officials stressing the need for stronger parental involvement in these critical areas of development.

While academic performance remains important, authorities have emphasised that parents must take a more active role in monitoring and guiding their children's behaviour and values outside the classroom. This shared responsibility between home and school is essential for ensuring children develop into well-rounded individuals with strong moral foundations.

The call reflects widespread recognition that character building and disciplinary issues extend beyond school gates. Parents are being urged to work in partnership with educators, maintaining open communication about their children's progress in both academic and behavioural matters.

Education stakeholders have stressed that effective parenting involves consistent monitoring of children's activities, safety practices and the development of positive values. This collaborative approach between parents and schools is seen as crucial to addressing behavioural challenges and ensuring children develop the discipline necessary for success in adulthood.

The message comes as Malaysian schools continue to grapple with various disciplinary challenges, with experts maintaining that parental engagement and responsibility are fundamental to creating an environment conducive to positive child development and social well-being.