Editorial | Early action can help deter Hong Kong school suicides
A recent survey found 20 per cent of 1,600 city secondary school respondents had symptoms of anxiety and depression
Hopes have been dashed that mental health concerns among our youth linked to pandemic lockdowns, school closures and social isolation would have eased by now. They remain an alarming issue.
A rise in the suicide rate among those aged 15 to 24 shows no sign of tapering. This is a reminder of stress factors other than the Covid-19 pandemic.
A recent survey by the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service found that 20 per cent of 1,600 secondary school respondents had symptoms of anxiety and depression, with academic studies and personal appearance among major concerns.
In that regard it is a step in the right direction that around 11 per cent of Hong Kong’s public junior schools have scrapped exams and tests for Primary One pupils, amid appeals from education authorities to reduce assessments to help improve students’ mental health. This echoes a similar call last November, urging primary and secondary schools to adjust their amount of homework, as well as scheduled assessments and class timetables to give youngsters more time to rest and socialise.
A new call from authorities in July urged primary schools to foster mental well-being by avoiding tests and exams just after holidays.
