Schools' suicide emergency mechanism extended

A Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism, which aims to prevent student suicides, will be extended until the end of this year, the government announced yesterday. 

The mechanism, implemented in December last year, involves collaboration between the Education Bureau, Health Bureau and Social Welfare Department to provide support to students at risk of suicide.

The first tier of the mechanism prioritizes students with a higher risk of suicide and provides counseling through the school's interdisciplinary team. The goal is to offer timely assistance and refer students to professional counseling or treatment services if necessary.

The second tier covers cases where schools lack counseling resources. The Education Bureau will step in and help refer students to off-campus support networks organized by the Social Welfare Department. 

The third tier of the mechanism focuses on providing medical services to students with severe mental health needs.

The mechanism was originally scheduled to end this month but has been extended to until December 31 of this year. The extension includes additional measures to enhance support for schools in identifying higher risk students earlier. 

“After reviewing the relevant circumstances and listening to the views of the sector, the government has decided to extend the implementation period of the mechanism and will continue to closely monitor [its] operation,” a government spokesman said.

To further support schools in addressing students' mental health needs, the Education Bureau will organize over 40 training courses and workshops from this week to March.

These sessions will cover practical skills, counseling techniques and intervention strategies, equipping teachers and staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to support students effectively.

Non-governmental organizations will also visit secondary schools and organize mental health activities from next month to April, aiming to raise students' awareness of mental health, develop positive thinking and strengthen their adaptability and help-seeking awareness.

The government's commitment to strengthening cross-departmental collaboration aims to provide ongoing support to schools and parents in supporting students with mental health needs. The objective is to build a robust safety net for students in need.

However, education sector lawmaker Chu Kwok-keung expressed disappointment with the mechanism, saying on a radio program that some principals found it lacking in support. 

“I heard that a few principals have used the mechanism and two of them were asked to call 999 for emergency cases. For non-emergency cases they will be passed to psychiatrists,” Chu said.

“These answers were quite shocking and the support [provided] by the mechanism is not in place,” he added.