Hong Kong is facing a pressing need to enhance support systems for its young population grappling with mental health challenges, according to the findings of a citywide survey. Released on November 29, the study conducted by researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), commissioned by the government, uncovered concerning trends.
The survey disclosed that almost one in four children and adolescents in the city experienced at least one mental health disorder in 2023. Moreover, over 8 per cent of secondary school students admitted contemplating suicide. The CUHK researchers emphasized that these results were on the “higher end” of distressing global patterns.
Professor Sandra Chan Sau-man from CUHK’s Department of Psychiatry characterized Hong Kong as a “very complex” and “highly stressful” environment for kids. Secretary for Education, Christine Choi Yuk-lin, informed lawmakers last Wednesday that the suspected suicide cases among primary and secondary school pupils had surged to 31 in the first 11 months of this year—a figure more than double that of 2018.
This increase is attributed to the pressures stemming from the 2019 social unrest and the subsequent challenges posed by the pandemic. Now, as students strive to catch up, additional stressors like social media and related bullying exacerbate their mental health struggles.
The CUHK survey highlighted that 10 per cent of respondents experienced clinically significant sleep issues, while 10.2 per cent had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Various proportions reported disruptive impulse control, conduct disorders, and depressive disorders.
Notably, almost half of the parents were hesitant to seek professional help despite observing issues in their children. Factors such as fear of stigma and a lack of knowledge about seeking assistance pose obstacles, emphasizing the critical role of schools in providing support.
In response, authorities launched a new initiative to help schools identify secondary students with mental health needs and refer severe cases for professional intervention. However, experts like Paul Yip, the head of the Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), remain skeptical about the efficacy of the two-month emergency system in preventing long-term student suicides.
Wong Yan-lung, former chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, called for government measures to ensure teachers have more time to prioritize students’ mental health. Rapid allocation of resources to schools and increased recruitment of mental health professionals are crucial steps to address this urgent challenge and safeguard the well-being of the next generation.