After a difficult year, 2026 will feel very different for children and their parents. Fears of school violence, social media pressures and the impact on mental health will continue to be of major concern for parents. In a global survey by Central Force International, it was reported that over half of Malaysian parents don’t actively pay attention to their children’s mental health on a daily basis, and spend significantly fewer hours per week discussing emotional wellbeing with their children, compared to the global average. Nicole Tan, clinical psychologist, shares how parents can look out for mental health red flags, and check-in with their children more regularly.

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