LETTERS: Local digital addiction data is deeply concerning. Research from Universiti Putra Malaysia shows that more than one-third of Malaysian adolescents exhibit signs of problematic smartphone use.
Many teenagers admit to experiencing anxiety, agitation, or a sense of panic when separated from their smartphones. Almost half struggle to fall asleep without scrolling through their digital devices, contributing to chronic sleep deprivation.
Teachers increasingly report a decline in students’ concentration and emotional regulation, while counsellors are seeing a rise in “nomophobia”, the fear of being without a mobile phone.
Adults are facing similar struggles. Malaysian employees report losing significant productivity each day due to constant notifications and compulsive checking of apps.
The more we multitask digitally, the more fatigued and unfocused we become, blurring the lines between work, rest and personal time. At home, it is increasingly common to see family members sitting together yet interacting more with screens than with each other.
Over time, this weakens family bonds and reduces the quality of emotional connection — an especially alarming trend as Malaysia prepares for the social challenges of an ageing society, where strong family support systems will be critical.
The safety implications are just as serious. The Royal Malaysian Police continue to record thousands of road accidents each year linked to mobile phone use by drivers, motorcyclists, and even pedestrians.
Around the world, governments have begun recognising excessive screen use as a public health issue. For example, in Japan, six in 10 people consider themselves addicted to their smartphones, with high school students spending an average of six hours daily on their devices.
Local governments have introduced screen-time rules, digital wellbeing lessons in schools, and Tokyo has established a clinic dedicated to treating memory decline associated with excessive screen exposure, sometimes described as “smartphone dementia”.
South Korea, after discovering that 30 per cent of its youth are at risk of digital addiction, has created structured digital detox camps to help young people re-establish healthy offline habits. Even the World Health Organisation has issued screen-time guidelines for young children, acknowledging the long-term risks of excessive early exposure.
Malaysia, therefore, needs a coordinated national response that brings together health, education, communication, and consumer-protection agencies. The Health Ministry, Education Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission should work jointly with civil society and researchers to develop a national digital wellbeing framework.
Such a framework should promote healthy screen habits, equip students with digital literacy and self-regulation skills, educate families on building device-free routines, and encourage developers and telcos to design technology that prioritises wellbeing over excessive engagement.
Addressing smartphone addiction is not about rejecting technology. It is about ensuring that digital innovation enhances our lives without eroding mental health, family unity, or social resilience.
SARAL JAMES MANIAM
Secretary-General, Malaysian Association of Standards Users
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
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