A recent survey indicates a notable decrease in the overall happiness levels of families within the city, with only 57.6 percent of respondents identifying themselves as happy. The figure represents a significant decline of 22.4 percentage points compared to the previous year.
Conducted by the Hong Kong Women Development Association from May 12 to May 30, the survey interviewed a pool of 1,367 individuals, primarily young parents engaged in intensive caregiving, with nearly half of their children in primary school or below.
The findings revealed that over half of the families spend more than HK$2,000 per month on tutoring or extracurricular activities for their children, creating an economic burden and reflecting the unequal distribution of educational resources.
A gap between the modern educational system and family capabilities was also highlighted, with 85 percent of parents facing challenges in guiding their children, indicating a need for more support for parents in meeting modern educational needs.
Additionally, about 45 percent of parents reported having only 1 to 3 hours per day to spend with their children.
To alleviate parental stress, the organization recommended that the government promote flexible working hours and family-friendly workplace policies, as well as reinstate the HK$2,500 student grant.
In a related survey on the happiness levels of the students, which involved 1,195 primary and secondary pupils, 24 percent reported feeling unhappy most of the time, while 10 percent stated they had never experienced happiness.
The organization raised the alarm about the student's emotional health, particularly those primary 4 to secondary form 3 students, who face significant academic pressure, fears about transitioning to higher education, and also the challenging curriculum.
The organization suggested reducing standardized tests and implementing diversified assessment systems, along with a "two social workers for each school" policy in secondary schools.
