Letters | How Hong Kong’s education system must change to prevent student suicides

Readers discuss the importance of social and emotional learning at school, a film that could help people better understand their emotions, and the importance of fairness in swimming selections

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A passerby writes a note to students taking the Diploma of Secondary Education exam on boards put up as part of a suicide prevention campaign by a student group in Causeway Bay on May 18. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Published: 11:30am, 14 Jul 2024

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I am writing to express deep concern about the increasing number of student suicides in Hong Kong, particularly among younger students, following the tragic death last month of a 16-year-old girl, suspected to have been connected to academic pressure. As an organisation dedicated to youth well-being, Life Education Activity Programme believes it is crucial to address the underlying issues contributing to this trend.

According to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, there have been distressing incidents of teenage suicides and attempted suicides in Hong Kong, with the youngest victim being only nine years old. School-related pressures, particularly academic stress, have been identified as significant contributing factors.

While there are ongoing discussions about reforming the education system, there is an immediate need to incorporate essential social and emotional learning skills into the curriculum. The absence of a structured focus on emotional awareness, personal strengths, relationship skills and stress management techniques leaves students ill-prepared to cope with the pressures they face.

We commend government initiatives such as the three-tier emergency mechanism for secondary schools and the voluntary 4Rs Mental Health Charter. However, we believe that a proactive approach focusing on prevention is essential.

We recently hosted a forum on equipping children and the youth with skills for life through social and emotional learning as part of our 30th-anniversary celebration of service in Hong Kong. We firmly believe that implementing social and emotional learning programmes in schools can equip children with essential life skills, foster healthy relationships, and build resilience and empathy. These skills are not only valuable for personal growth but also significantly impact academic performance and future career development.