By Borneo Bulletin
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Brunei Darussalam hosted the Consultation on the Right to Mental Health (AHRD 29(1)) in the Digital Age at The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong, on Monday, focusing on the protection of children’s mental health in an increasingly connected world.
Attorney General Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib, as Guest of Honour, called for a united and proactive approach in addressing the mental health challenges faced by children today. In her keynote address, she highlighted His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s titah during the Knowledge Convention 2024 on “Addressing Mental Health Challenges,” noting the rise of mental health concerns among the public, students, and civil servants. She stressed that while more individuals are seeking treatment — a sign of growing awareness — it also underscores the urgency for coordinated action.
Focusing on the digital landscape, the Guest of Honour emphasised that rapid technological developments, including Artificial Intelligence, present new challenges for children’s well-being. With internet coverage in Brunei exceeding 99 per cent for 4G and 97 per cent for 5G, she urged society to take collective responsibility in safeguarding young minds. She highlighted Brunei’s holistic public health initiatives, including BruHealth, mental health outreach programmes, and community engagement, which aim to strengthen emotional resilience among children.
She further underlined the importance of strong partnerships between governments, educators, parents, the private sector, and digital platforms. Sharing best practices, investing in digital literacy and mental health programmes, and supporting parents and teachers as the first line of guidance, she said, are crucial to building safer online environments. Concluding her speech, she urged policymakers, practitioners, and parents to act with empathy and determination, turning the consultation’s discussions into concrete actions that balance digital access with mental health protection for ASEAN children.
The consultation featured thematic discussions on The Digital Dilemma, Regulation versus Freedom of Information, Breaking the Silence on Stigma, Protecting Children from Online Threats, and The Future of Digital Well-being for ASEAN Children. Leading experts from healthcare, law enforcement, digital safety, and regulatory bodies shared insights, while interactive sessions explored regional collaboration and cross-sector strategies to protect children’s mental health in the digital age.
The session earlier saw welcoming remarks by Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office and Representative of Brunei Darussalam to AICHR Awang Ajman bin Haji Meludin, and Representative of Malaysia to AICHR and also the Chairperson of AICHR Edmund Bon Tai Soon.
In his welcoming remarks, Awang Ajman underscored the importance of safeguarding children’s mental well-being in the digital era through a balanced and compassionate approach, calling for the sharing of best practices and collective efforts to build a safe and resilient digital environment for ASEAN’s younger generation.
Source: https://borneobulletin.com.bn/ag-urges-collective-action-to-safeguard-childrens-mental-health-in-the-digital-age/. Archived at https://perma.cc/5QFR-TWSR
