Malaysia faces smartphone addiction among teens 

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) – 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 counselors 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,” says Saral James Maniam, Secretary-General, Malaysian Association of Standards Users. 

“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,” says Maniam. 

“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.”