As Hong Kong emerges from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, a semblance of normalcy is returning to the bustling city. Businesses are reopening, families are reuniting, and the streets are once again alive with the vibrant energy characteristic of this metropolis. Yet, beneath the surface, a quiet crisis is unfolding — one that demands our immediate attention.

Last year marked a turning point for Hong Kong society to resume regular operations after a prolonged period of lockdowns and the seclusion of the remote living lifestyle. But this transition has not been without its challenges, particularly for our youngest. Schoolchildren who had adapted to over two years of online learning were thrust back into physical classrooms, and the pressure to adjust has proven too great for some.

It is with a heavy heart that we must confront an alarming trend: a rise in student suicide cases. Over 300 attempted suicides were reported last year, with an incredibly distressing 37 lives lost. Even more tragic are the unfortunate incidents within school premises, casting a long shadow over the mental well-being of both students and teachers.

Suicide represents a serious and urgent health crisis that requires our heightened awareness and action. To prevent the further loss of young lives, we must consider several approaches.

First, there is a dire need to bolster psychological support for our young people. Schools and community centers should offer services to help students manage stress and emotional challenges. This need has become more acute amid a migration wave that has seen thousands of experienced educators leave their posts. Newly appointed teachers, potentially lacking in training and experience, may inadvertently overlook the support needs of their students, particularly those who are struggling the most.

Second, we must strengthen the resilience of our students. Through mental health education, psychological training, and emergency drills, we can enhance their coping mechanisms. The Chinese mainland has made significant strides in promoting life education, and the Chinese Society for Tao Xingzhi Studies has garnered attention nationwide for these efforts. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region can take a leaf out of their book and implement similar initiatives to instil in our young people the fortitude to face life’s adversities.

Third, it is imperative that parents and schools collaborate closely to monitor and support the mental health of students. In an era of rapid technological advancement, the methods of communication between parents and teachers can evolve beyond the traditional biannual parent-teacher meetings. For students with special needs, continuous and close contact is essential.

Communities can partake in this action against student suicide by organizing mental health activities and providing counseling services. The newly established care teams and district councils can play a pivotal role in promoting positive psychology in local neighborhoods, increasing public awareness of the irreversible consequences of suicide, and advocating for resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Lastly, the media must exercise strict professionalism when reporting on suicide. The World Health Organization has clear guidelines on how the media should approach this sensitive topic. Details of the suicide act, suicide notes, and photographs should not be explicitly reported, nor should the act be glorified or sensationalized. Academic research has confirmed that responsible reporting can mitigate the risk of copycat suicides. However, it is concerning to note that after the suicides of local and international public figures, Hong Kong media tends to provide detailed coverage, a practice far from ideal.

It is crucial to understand that preventing student suicides is a complex task requiring a multifaceted effort and collaboration. Only through a united front can we ensure that our students are provided with the robust mental health support they desperately need. The path to recovery for Hong Kong’s society post-pandemic is not solely about economic revival or restoring daily routines — it is also about nurturing the minds and spirits of our future generation. Let us not fail them.

The author is the convener at China Retold, a member of the Legislative Council, and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.