Focus must remain on improving safety, well-being within all schools, says expert
PETALING JAYA: As violent incidents among Malaysian students continue to make headlines, parents are increasingly questioning the safety and emotional climate of schools, and some are turning to homeschooling as an alternative.
International Islamic University Malaysia Kulliyyah of Education Assoc Prof Dr Suhailah Hussien said, however, the rise in student violence points to deeper, systemic issues within the national education system rather than isolated school incidents.
“It signals the need for serious attention to how we define and deliver education for today’s generation, especially in shaping values, emotions and character.”
She said while homeschooling offers a more controlled and flexible learning environment, it should not be seen as a replacement for mainstream schooling.
“Homeschooling cannot replace the national education system, it is an alternative, not a substitute. The focus must remain on improving safety and well-being within all schools, not on parents opting out entirely.”
She also said many families now join homeschooling cooperatives or community learning centres to ensure continued social interaction, adding that the broader goal should still be to reform schools so that every child feels secure, guided and valued.
She said true education must go beyond academic achievement and be rooted in rahmah (compassion) and hikmah (wisdom).
“Schools should be places where students feel guided and supported as they learn to realise their potential, When education is rooted in compassion and wisdom, families are more likely to see schools as safe and meaningful spaces for their children’s growth.”
She said homeschooling’s rise could widen inequality, as only well-off families could afford it, adding that children may also face isolation or social learning gaps.
To ensure balanced access to education, Suhailah urged the Education Ministry to strengthen safety, mental health and emotional well-being programmes in schools so that parents are not forced into homeschooling out of fear or frustration.
She welcomed the government’s revised curriculum focusing on character building and holistic growth but said its success depends on strong execution supported by trained teachers, committed school leaders and active parental involvement.
She said if more families turn to homeschooling, the government must provide clear guidelines and monitoring frameworks to ensure all children, whether in school or at home, receive a well-rounded, values-based education.
She also recommended extending the ministry’s school-based mental health screening initiatives to homeschooling communities and developing a social integration framework to help homeschooled students build emotional and social resilience.
CPC International managing director and child clinical psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli agreed homeschooling could help in certain cases, but only if done thoughtfully and with proper planning.
“Homeschooling could help some children by removing them from a harmful or aggressive environment, But it could also worsen problems if the child learns avoidance or loses the chance to practise social skills and handle conflict.”
She added that peer interaction is crucial for developing empathy, emotional regulation and conflict resolution, skills that are difficult to replicate at home without structured social opportunities.
“Children learn a great deal from misunderstandings, disagreements and making up, lessons that are hard to recreate one-on-one with adults. Homeschooling could work if parents intentionally plan for regular, supervised peer contact.”
She advised parents to watch for warning signs before withdrawing their children from school, such as persistent nightmares, panic attacks, self-harm, loss of appetite or psychosomatic symptoms such as frequent headaches.
Noor Aishah said while homeschooling may offer emotional protection and a calmer pace, overprotection could lead to isolation, weak social skills and higher anxiety when children eventually re-enter social environments.
“Homeschooling doesn’t necessarily solve the problem, it could create new ones. Parents must be sure they are ready to take on the role of teacher, planner and emotional guide.
“Protect your child but don’t isolate them. Emotional safety must go hand in hand with social development.”
