A new World Children’s Day Survey by UNICEF shows bullying is the biggest worry for children in Malaysia.
Almost 7 in 10 children here say they worry a lot about being bullied. That’s way more than children in Japan (3 in 10) or the UK (4 in 10).
Malaysian children also worry about violence (64%) and terrorism (60%). When asked what issues world leaders should care about, they picked education for the poor (17%), poverty (15%) and terrorism (15%).
This global survey reached over 11,000 children aged 9–18 across 14 countries – including Brazil, Egypt, India, Turkey and the USA. It reflects similar views from the Children4Change opinion poll in Malaysia.
“Listen to us,” say children
“This survey shows that Malaysian children care deeply about global issues – and how these issues affect their lives,” said Marianne Clark-Hattingh, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia.
“They’re especially worried about bullying. That concern stands out more in Malaysia than other countries,” she added.
Sadly, many children also feel unheard.
“Over half say that even when asked, their opinions don’t really matter. As adults, we need to change that. Children have the right to be consulted on decisions that impact them. Listening builds their confidence, makes them feel part of the community, and creates a more peaceful society,” said Ms. Clark-Hattingh.
“So on this World Children’s Day – when children speak up, listen up.”
What children are saying
Top concerns:
- 77% worry about bullying
- 77% fear climate change
- 74% are anxious about poverty, education access, and terrorism
Trust issues:
- 53% don’t trust adults or world leaders to make good decisions for them
- This compares to 68% in the UK, 59% in the USA, and 81% in Brazil
Who listens to them:
- Children feel heard by family (92%), friends (88%) and teachers (76%)
- But 54% say their opinions don’t lead to change
- 95% believe the world would be better if leaders listened to them – the highest score after South Africa
Who’s on their birthday guest list?
The World Children’s Day Survey also explored fun stuff like who children would invite to their birthdays.
Malaysian children’s top choice? Barack Obama.
Second? Tun Mahathir.
Third? A tie between Cristiano Ronaldo, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Siti Nurhaliza, and Jack Ma.
What else do Malaysian children enjoy?
- Watching TV (65%) is their favourite activity
- Social media and homework tie at 59%
- 80% use smartphones – more than children in the US (74%), UK (73%) or Japan (63%)
KidsTakeover media on World Children’s Day
UNICEF hopes this World Children’s Day Survey will inspire adults to truly listen to children.
In Malaysia, about 30 children – including children with disabilities – will “take over” media platforms to share their voices on 20 November.
Over 10 major media outlets across TV, radio, print and online are joining this global movement under the theme #ForEveryChild.
Let’s make sure we don’t just hear them – we listen.