Opinion | Hong Kong youth need an empathetic and forgiving society to flourish

In their Christmas messages, Catholic Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan and Anglican Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming reminded us to show empathy towards one another and promote a culture of tolerance and forgiveness, especially in response to the increasing suicide rate among our teenagers.

The recent surge in youth suicide is not unexpected given the prevailing sense of hopelessness. There is a lack of support in many dysfunctional families, and the overuse of social media and prolonged disruption of school life from the Covid-19 pandemic have caused significant damage to students’ support networks. Young people could be particularly in crisis if they don’t know where to seek help or worry that doing so could cause others trouble.

The lack of school activities and disruption during the pandemic hindered the rebuilding of relationships between students and teachers. Some teachers have left while students’ friends have migrated to other countries. The overwhelming academic pressure to catch up with an overcrowded curriculum is detrimental to the well-being of both teachers and students.

Cardinal Chow rightfully emphasises the need for teachers to have sufficient time, space and energy to provide appropriate care and support to young people. Building relationships and trust takes time, and mental resilience requires space and energy.

We must also alleviate the mental burden on our youth by avoiding excessive and repetitive schoolwork. We need the understanding and support of parents as well. Sometimes, it is the unrealistic expectations of parents that are causing psychological pain to the students.