Experts call for supportive environment as depression not primary cause behind student suicide

The director of the Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong Paul Yip Siu-fai has underscored the pressing need for increased attention and support for students. 

Speaking on a radio program on Sunday, he noted that half of the suicide cases among children aged 15 and under last year occurred in single-parent or divorced families.

Yip emphasized that not all student suicides are linked to mental health issues and should not necessarily be associated with psychiatric consultation, as only 40 percent showed signs of depression, suggesting a public health approach is necessary.

He also highlighted the impact of academic and social pressures on students and called for schools to create a supportive environment where students feel accepted.

Recent data shows that the suicide rate for children and adolescents aged 15 and under rose from 0.9 in 2022 to 2.9 in 2023, with a troubling increase in female suicides from two to 16.

In the first two weeks of September, following the start of the new school year, there have already been cases of student suicides.

In the same program, the chairwoman of the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters Esther Ho Yuk-fan said that the school year can stress students out and suggested more school activities to promote happiness.

She mentioned that excessive use of social media can harm students and that parents may increase pressure on children by comparing them to others. She urged parents to communicate better with their children and set realistic expectations.

Both experts agreed that the ongoing review of the "three-tier emergency mechanism" is effective but should be accessible for all, not just urgent cases.