15th September 2024 – (Hong Kong) In the first two weeks of the new school term, Hong Kong has witnessed a concerning number of student suicides, prompting urgent discussions among mental health experts and educators. Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai, Chair Professor of Population Health and Director of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, highlighted that among the more than 20 suicide cases involving children aged 15 or younger last year, half were from single-parent or divorced families.
Professor Yip emphasised that not all cases of student suicide are linked to mental health issues, noting that only 40% of the ten recent cases exhibited signs of depression. He advocates for a public health approach to tackle this issue rather than equating student suicides with psychiatric consultations.
Recent statistics from the Centre reveal a sharp increase in the suicide rate among children and young people aged 15 and under, which rose from 0.9 per 100,000 two years ago to 2.9 last year. The rise in cases among girls is particularly troubling, escalating from just two in 2022 to 16 in the past year.
On a radio programme, Professor Yip stressed the pressures of academic performance and interpersonal relationships on students, asserting that grades do not define personal worth. He called for collaboration among schools, teachers, and other stakeholders to create a “happy campus” environment, encouraging students to enjoy school and feel accepted.
Dr Esther Ho Yuk-fan, Chair of the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters, echoed these sentiments, noting that the start of the school year can heighten stress levels among students. She suggested that schools host more activities to promote happiness and improve mental health. Additionally, she cautioned against the negative impact of excessive social media use on children and the pressure parents may feel to compare their children to others, advocating for open communication between parents and children to alleviate these stresses.
Both experts acknowledged the effectiveness of the existing three-tier emergency mechanism currently under review, suggesting it should not be perceived as solely reactive. They advocated for its regularisation to ensure comprehensive support for students in need.