Why are Hong Kong happiness levels down? Start by looking at education, expert says

“When we see others doing better, we blame ourselves for not trying hard enough and that just adds to the stress.”

She said the older students were, the more stressed and worried they became.

The Malvern College Hong Kong student is not alone in feeling down.

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Last year, the city’s happiness index hit a decade low of 5.88 out of 10, according to a study by HK.WeCare, a concern group under Wofoo Social Enterprises.

Charis said her studies had been a strain on her mental health. Her focus was entirely on studying, with little room for relaxation or hobbies.

Opening up to teachers or parents feels difficult as she fears they may overreact or, worse, criticise her.

Giving up hobbies makes finding a healthy balance tough. Charis said she would be happier if she could have “more social life and extended deadlines for schoolwork”.

“I hope the education system in Hong Kong can ease some of the pressure so that my generation – and future generations – can learn in a less stressful environment,” she said.

The annual HK.WeCare survey of 1,283 people included 74 questions on social well-being, health and depressive symptoms.

Released in July, the results revealed that more than half of the participants had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Ten per cent reported having feelings of hopelessness almost daily.

The drop in happiness has been particularly severe in recent years, even lower than during the social unrest of 2019 and the pandemic in 2020. Researchers are now asking why the decline was so big in 2023 and 2024.

Phoebe Wan, programme director at HK.WeCare, said the trend highlighted the need to understand the impact of a career-focused upbringing and the challenges of living in a changing world.

“Both adults and children are struggling to adapt to environmental changes, whether due to political factors or social issues,” Wan said.

She predicted the decline in happiness would continue and said further research was needed to find the underlying causes.

Wan also noted Hongkongers reported a lower sense of purpose and fulfilment compared with people elsewhere.

“If we examine the data, the decline is closely tied to a reduced sense of meaning in life, including life goals and values – issues that affect children as well,” she said.

Many of these issues will be the focus of discussions at HK.WeCare’s Hong Kong Happiness Summit from December 17 to 18, which will look at ensuring a happy childhood and promoting family harmony.

Wan believes the education system is a key factor in happiness.

“From as early as kindergarten, life value is often equated with academic performance and securing a good job,” she said.

The intense focus on studies creates what she described as a “career-oriented childhood”, leaving little room for personal growth or play.

According to Unicef, children need at least an hour of playtime daily, but 70 per cent of Hong Kong children fail to meet this level.

“Should we really be queuing up for kindergarten when our children are just one year old, all for the sake of getting into a good university,” she asked.

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Wan said long-term planning could be helpful, but “focusing too far into the future isn’t always beneficial”.

Clinical psychologist Avis Ngan described a “perfect storm” of stressors facing Hong Kong youth.

“The pressure to excel academically, coupled with high family expectations and economic anxieties, makes it hard for young people to envision their future,” said Ngan, founder of Mindsight, a mental health clinic.

“When perfect grades and rankings become your only measure of self-worth, you’re sinking in quicksand – the harder you struggle with self-criticism, the deeper you go.”

A lack of open communication within a family can also affect a child’s emotional well-being.

“Our family index shows that communication within Hong Kong families is generally weak. We often tell children, ‘Don’t hide your emotions, speak up.’ But for them to open up, they need to feel safe,” Wan said.

She said cultural norms discouraged people from expressing affection or vulnerability.

“Saying ‘I love you’ is uncommon in Chinese culture ... This cultural nuance extends to seeking help for emotional struggles,” she said.

Wan said students were often aware of available resources, but hesitant to use them.

“Many students feel social workers are out of touch or don’t understand them. Parents can also be intimidating,” she said. “While friends may seem like a safe option, modern social dynamics often make it hard to have deep conversations.”

To address these issues, Wan called for more relatable life education in schools and stressed that children needed personalised goals.

“How do we address their mental stress? Ultimately, it stems from the goals we set for them and the values we instil,” she said.

Ngan urged schools to integrate mental health education and provide counselling access to students. He advised families to focus on communication and realistic expectations, while the government must invest in mental health services and supportive policies.

A united effort, he emphasised, is key.

Wan added that it should not just be about teaching coping strategies: “It’s about creating a culture where children feel heard and supported without fear of judgment.”

To deal with the declining levels of happiness, Wan called for a shift away from career-driven mindsets.

“We need to rethink what we want to give our children through education and their childhood,” she said. “It’s not just about achieving – it’s about living well.”