Regular mechanism urged to prevent student suicides

Eunice Lam

Authorities must establish a regular mechanism to prevent student suicides, according to Lam Ching-choi, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health.

The government recently announced an extension of the three-tier school-based emergency mechanism until the end of next year, aimed at ensuring early identification and support for students at high risk of suicide.

Lam noted an increase in public awareness of mental health issues over the past year, saying the city recorded four cases of student suicides in September and October - a decrease compared to the same period last year.

"Parents frequently ask how to address their children's mental health needs," he said, adding that many schools are eager to tackle this critical issue.The next step involves helping schools establish a consistent mechanism for identifying students in need and creating clear guidelines for referring cases to psychiatrists.

Lam expressed hope that, once the referral process is clarified, the three-tier mechanism will no longer need to be extended.

First announced in 2023 and extended twice through the end of 2025, the mechanism assists schools in the early identification and intervention of students with heightened suicide risks or mental health needs. The second tier includes an "off-campus support" network for schools lacking sufficient manpower, while the third tier allows principals to directly refer students with severe mental health needs to psychiatrists within the Hospital Authority.