Hong Kong’s education system has always been considered as examination-oriented. Chinese parents tend to have high expectations on children’s course grades and academic achievements. Since school began in September this year, 14 youths had attempted suicide, according to the Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong’s calculation. Academic problems, relationship and family issues are prime reasons behind youth suicide. There is a growing mental health crisis among youngsters, which is critical and should not be taken lightly.

Professor Sylvia KWOK LAI Yuk-ching, who is the Professor and Associate Head of CityU’s Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences and the Convenor of Positive Education Laboratory, leads a research project on mental health of children and youth. The objective of the project is to identify protective factors which can prevent youth from mental health problems and the risk factors which will increase the mental health crisis among youth. It also aims at empowering youngsters by formulating a set of strategies and tools which are user-centric, so as to prevent and intervene psychological health issues.  The project is in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Work of the University of Calgary, Canada. A sharing forum was held at CityU on 14 October 2023, with around 32 students from 4 local secondary schools, 48 teachers, principals, social workers, counsellors, district board members, parents and doctors attending the forum.

Speaking at the forum, Prof Kwok wished the project can gather the views of all key stakeholders (service users i.e. youth aged 12-17, parents, service providers, researchers, educators, government officials and policy makers) to enhance the knowledge of children and youth’s mental health. Prof Dora TAM of the Faculty of Social Work of the University of Calgary also made a welcoming remark through a pre-recorded video to welcome all participants and wish the event can raise public awareness of mental health.

A total of 6 groups of students presented their photo stories at the forum. They took photos to illustrate their definition of mental health and wellbeing, and use the photos as voices to speak up the essential factors to support positive mental health, and what community resources available that can improve their psychological health. Students shared photos of beautiful skies, important companions such as their friends and pets, family support and interests as the protective factors to stay positive. They also showed photos of report cards, exam papers and school rules as the source of their stress. Students think that natural environment and community centres can help them relax and release emotions. 

Following the sharing by students is the roundtable discussion session by the participants. Teachers, social workers and other stakeholders shared their views on other areas of youth’s mental health that deserve attention and suggested corresponding services to improve teenagers’ mental health status. They gave advice to parents to embrace children’s failure and help children to face adversity with positive attitude. The sharing forum connected teenagers and other stakeholders together. Teenagers were empowered to express their views and their concerns were heard. The project is expected to improve existing social policies and services provided to children and youth. The results will be collated to enrich the teaching materials and programmes in secondary schools and universities. The event has strengthened the partnership between different stakeholders and raise the awareness of mental health among all.