Hong Kong prisoners get more exercise time outside than our schoolchildren, research reveals
Researchers push for more emphasis on mental and physical health of students before problems arise
Prison inmates in Hong Kong get more outdoor exercise time than primary and secondary school students, according to a University of Hong Kong researcher.
Although research consistently shows sports and physical activity as key to mental well-being, there prioritised enough in schools, said Dr Robin Mellecker of the HKU’s Institute of Human Performance.
“Prison inmates get more outdoor time than school kids,” she said, explaining that exercise releases “happy hormones” that contribute to students’ mental wellness and facilitate their learning.
Mental health among students has been a hotly discussed topic in the city after a recent spike in suicides, the youngest victim being 11 years old.
In March, four students took their own lives in five days. At latest count, a total of 22 students have died of suicide since the start of the academic year in September last year.
