In the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, a silent crisis is unfolding, one that demands our immediate attention and collective action. The distressing surge in student suicides has reached alarming proportions, with as many as 37 young lives lost and over 300 attempts reported in the first 10 months of 2023. 

These statistics, released by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, underscore a pressing need for a comprehensive response from society.

The root causes of this epidemic are multifaceted, ranging from the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to relentless academic pressures and family issues faced by our youth. The pandemic disrupted normalcy for four years, leaving students struggling to adapt to a faster-paced academic life. Additionally, both the slow post-pandemic economic recovery and family problems have exacerbated a sense of helplessness and despair among the younger population.

The education system itself has come under scrutiny, with concerns raised about its focus on academic achievement at the expense of holistic development. Former justice secretary Wong Yan-lung aptly noted that students in Hong Kong face a rigid system where “one test determines your fate”. The intense academic schedule leaves little room for failure or the nurturing of well-rounded personalities.

The Education Bureau has reported 27 suspected student suicides in primary and secondary schools in the first 10 months of 2023, marking a four-year high. The return to normalcy after the pandemic and the challenges faced by students in resuming classes have contributed to this worrying trend. The government acknowledges the complexity of the issue, identifying family, social and relationship problems as major risk factors, alongside personal challenges such as adjusting to school and mental health issues.

The call for action resonates throughout society. Educators, lawmakers, mental health professionals and activists are all urging immediate intervention. The government’s response, while a step in the right direction, falls short of the comprehensive strategy required to address the crisis adequately.

In response to the rising number of suicides, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention advocates for a three-tier emergency mechanism. The first tier aims to help schools identify students at risk, emphasizing the crucial role of teachers and social workers as the first level of support. The second tier connects schools with external support, including registered social workers and professionals, while the third tier ensures direct referral to public psychiatric specialist services for students with severe mental health needs.

However, addressing the issue goes beyond emergency mechanisms. It requires a profound shift in our approach to education and mental health. Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai, founding director of the Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong, emphasizes the importance of providing hope to young people who often feel a sense of helplessness. This underscores the need for a more holistic approach to education that prioritizes emotional well-being alongside academic achievements.

To achieve this, the government and educational institutions must collaborate to strengthen mental health education and support networks within schools. Teachers, often on the frontline, need proper training to identify at-risk students, and additional resources should be allocated to assist schools in this critical task. The focus should not solely be on academic success but on fostering resilient, well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

Beyond the classroom, stigma reduction campaigns are essential to create an environment where seeking help for mental health issues is normalized. Families play a pivotal role in this regard, with parents urged to pay closer attention to warning signs, including mood swings and unusual behavior on social media. Employers must also contribute to an inclusive workplace culture that supports those with mental health challenges.

In light of the crisis, NGOs and mental health organizations have called for increased awareness and support from society. The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong highlights the need for a coordinated effort to combat the rise in youth suicides. The current situation necessitates a multipronged strategy that involves the government, businesses, educational institutions, and the community at large.

As we confront this mental health crisis, it is essential to recognize that suicide prevention is not the sole responsibility of one entity but requires a collective effort. The government’s recent two-month initiative to identify secondary students with mental health needs is a positive step, but sustained and comprehensive efforts are required to address the root causes and provide lasting solutions.

Hong Kong stands at a critical juncture, facing a youth suicide epidemic that demands urgent action. It is a call for solidarity, compassion, and a re-evaluation of our priorities as a society. The lives of our young people depend on the choices we make today. Let us, as a community, come together to co-create hope and build a brighter future for the next generation.

The author is chairman of the Asia MarTech Society and sits on the advisory boards of several professional organizations, including two universities.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.