Nurturing Healthy Relationships: Insights from Dr. Crendy Tan Yen Teng's Visit to SJK (C) Serdang Baru 2

In a bid to address the nuances of young love and relationships among adolescents, Dr. Crendy Tan Yen Teng, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences, recently embarked on a compelling journey to enlighten students from Standards 5 and 6 at SJK (C) Serdang Baru 2. The talk, titled "My First Love Affair," was attended by a crowd of 750 eager young minds.

At the heart of Dr. Crendy's discourse were critical sub-topics aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of love, the distinctions between liking someone and being in love, initiating healthy relationships, and safeguarding oneself during the journey of dating.

Some of the sub-topics discussed include:

• Like vs. Love
• Understanding Love
• 4 Steps to Start a Relationship
• How to protect yourself during dating

Dr. Crendy contextualised early romantic involvement within the broader societal landscape, shedding light on the multifaceted factors influencing adolescent relationships. With the pervasive influence of technology and social media, coupled with societal norms and peer pressure, children are increasingly exposed to romantic ideals at a tender age, often leading to premature exploration of relationships.

Amidst the discourse, Dr. Crendy underscored the pressing concern of premature pregnancy among adolescents. Citing data from the Malaysia Health Ministry, she highlighted the alarming incidence of pregnancies among girls aged 19 and below, urging for concerted efforts in implementing comprehensive sexuality education programmes. These initiatives, encompassing age-appropriate education on sexual health, contraception, consent, and healthy relationships, serve as vital safeguards against the risks associated with early romantic involvement.

Dr. Crendy emphasised the pivotal roles of schools, parents, and communities in nurturing adolescents through their developmental milestones. By fostering open dialogue, imparting essential life skills, and providing unwavering support, stakeholders can collectively steer adolescents towards healthy decision-making and interpersonal dynamics.

Through concerted efforts and a steadfast commitment to holistic education, the Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences cultivates a generation equipped with the tools to forge meaningful connections while safeguarding their well-being amidst the complexities of modern romance.

This event contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: