Your Voice: Hong Kong youth suicides spike; fewer Black students at Harvard (long letters)

In today’s world, it is a pressing concern to witness young people grappling with overwhelming academic stress and appearance anxiety.

The provisional data from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong paints a stark picture – the suicide rate among individuals aged 15 to 24 has surged to 12.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2022, up from 6.2 in 2014.

Furthermore, education authorities reported 32 suspected suicides involving primary and secondary school students last year. In light of these alarming statistics, it is imperative that we acknowledge the urgent need to address the escalating mental distress among Hong Kong youth.

The government should take proactive steps to address this heartbreaking situation by implementing mental health support programmes. The Education Bureau launched the 4R Mental Health Charter in April, emphasising rest, relaxation, relationship-building skills and resilience. However, a holistic approach to mental health support is needed, involving not just the government, but also schools, parents and the community at large.

As a 15-year-old, I understand first-hand the hectic schedules many students face, filled with extracurricular activities, school responsibilities, tutorial classes, homework and personal challenges. Young people must learn how to manage stress, negative emotions and problems effectively for better mental health.

A third of Hong Kong pupils will seek help for mental health issues: survey

It is not solely the responsibility of the Education Bureau to tackle the escalating mental health crisis among youth. Schools and parents must also step in to support young individuals, as students’ lives are intertwined with these institutions. Each entity has a crucial role to play in creating an environment where young people feel comfortable discussing mental health issues.

Teachers can encourage students to confide in them about their struggles, fostering a sense of trust and support. Personal experiences shared by peers and educators can be immensely beneficial in helping teenagers navigate their own challenges. Similarly, parents can make a significant impact by engaging with their children on a deeper level.

It is crucial to foster open communication by asking, “How are you today?” or expressing love and support. These simple gestures can go a long way in creating a safe space for teens to express themselves without judgment.

By promoting transparency and understanding, parents can establish a strong bond based on trust and empathy.

Amina Seyd, HHCKLA Buddhist Leung Chik Wai College

The recent news of a 4 per cent drop in Black student enrolment at Harvard University’s incoming class, the first class admitted since the US Supreme Court’s ruling against race-conscious admissions policies, is a cause for immediate concern. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to address the significant impact on diversity at elite institutions like Harvard.

According to The New York Times, Black students now make up only 14 per cent of Harvard’s first-year class, down from 18 per cent the previous year. Meanwhile, the share of Hispanic/Latino students increased slightly to 16 per cent, and Asian-American enrolment remained steady at 37 per cent.

This decline in Black representation is particularly alarming given that affirmative action was instituted initially to address the historical exclusion of African Americans from higher education. The importance of diversity in higher education cannot be overstated, and this decline is not just a loss to the academic community, but a potential threat to the intellectual vibrancy that diversity brings. Jeannie Park of the Coalition for a Diverse Harvard noted that the campus environment can be dramatically affected when the number of students of colour declines.

Harvard must take immediate and substantial action to address this issue. The university should explore all legal avenues to reinstate race-conscious admissions policies, as the Supreme Court did open the possibility of considering an applicant’s discussion of how race has affected their life. Additionally, Harvard should expand outreach and recruitment efforts to historically under-represented high schools, and consider implementing more holistic, context-based admissions criteria that do not disadvantage students of colour.

Financial aid and support services for Black and other minority students must also be top priorities. Richard Kahlenberg of the Progressive Policy Institute noted in the Harvard Crimson that Harvard must ensure it is “achieving racial diversity legally, by giving a boost to economically disadvantaged students of all races”. Removing barriers to access for under-represented students is crucial.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action represents a significant setback for diversity in higher education. However, Harvard has both the responsibility and the capability to lead the way in finding innovative solutions to maintain and enhance the diversity that is essential to its mission and identity. The future of some of the world’s most prestigious institutions – and the equitable access to the opportunity they represent – depends on it.