It’s not wrong to idolise celebrities, as long as your passion did not turn into an unhealthy obsession. Recently, a teenager in PJ accepted a sad truth when her K-pop scrapbook collection was burnt to ashes by her father.

The incident sparked outrage among Malaysians who mostly agreed that the parents went a little too far just for the sake of teaching her a lesson. Public Health Malaysia also responded to the situation via a Facebook post, where they assured the people that it is perfectly common for teenagers to have idols.

Leaving the comfort zone to find themselves

Public Health Malaysia said that idolisation is not only common but it also marks the phase where teenagers are starting to exhibit their interests to the outside world.

“This is also when they start find their respective identities.”

As a matter of fact, it’s very much like children idolising Marvel superheroes, Ultraman, and Power Rangers. This is when the presence of the parents plays an important role.

Know your children

In the post, Public Health Malaysia also pointed out that adults should carry out their duties as parents by taking an interest in their children’s beloved celebrities or characters. If the characters or the celebrities happen to have “bad habits”, then it is the parent’s duty to always remind the children not to follow in the same footsteps. 

“For instance, if your children are fans of Aaron Aziz or Caprice, do remind them about the consequences of vaping.”

One might wonder if reminders are enough and what signs that we should watch out for before the innocent souls are “driven into madness?”

“If they are obsessed to the extent of skipping daily routines, studies and social interactions, that’s when you need to pay more attention.”

In conclusion, Public Health Malaysia assured the people that the teenager who had her collection of K-pop scrapbooks is completely normal as we were once there. 

“You were once smiling for your collection of Backstreet Boys, N Sync and Linkin Park too.”

We truly wish the teenager who lost her K-pop collection is doing okay. Do you agree with Public Health Malaysia’s take on this matter?

Also read: M’sian Teen Cries & Tries To Save What’s Left of Her K-Pop Collection After Her Parents Burnt Them