Schools must intervene early to curb student violence, says Ikatan chief

Lee Lam Thye, chairman of Ikatan Malaysia, has stressed the importance of early intervention strategies in schools to tackle student violence before it escalates into more serious incidents. Speaking on the issue, Lee underscored that educational institutions must adopt proactive approaches to identify and support students at risk of engaging in violent behaviour.

Beyond the classroom, Lee highlighted the critical role parents must play in preventing youth violence. He called on families to serve as positive role models by demonstrating self-control and adopting peaceful methods of resolving conflicts at home. Lee pointed out that children often mirror the behaviour they witness in their immediate environment, making parental conduct instrumental in shaping student conduct.

The Ikatan Malaysia chief's remarks come as concerns about student violence continue to surface across the country. His advocacy for a multi-faceted approach—combining school-based interventions with responsible parenting—reflects growing recognition that addressing youth violence requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors of society.

Experts have long emphasised that early identification and support of troubled youth can prevent the development of violent tendencies and help redirect at-risk students towards more positive outcomes.