Psychologist urges mental health support for students traumatised by Hong Kong school knife attack
- Adrian Low, specialist in stress research, says students who witness such events may have ‘heightened fear and anxiety’ in days or weeks that follow
- Girl, 13, allegedly attacked classmate with 30cm-long knife at Tuen Mun school on Thursday
A Hong Kong psychologist has called for mental health support for students affected by traumatic events such as a recent knife attack in a school.
On Thursday, a 13-year-old girl allegedly attacked a classmate with a 30cm-long (12 inch) knife at a Tuen Mun school. She appeared in Tuen Mun Court on Friday after she was arrested and charged with wounding.
Adrian Low, president of the Hong Kong Association of Psychology and a chartered psychologist, said it was crucial that students who witnessed such events were offered support.
“Students may experience heightened fear and anxiety, both immediately after the event and in the days or weeks that follow. They may feel unsafe, worried about their own well-being or concerned about the possibility of future incidents,” said Low, who specialises in stress research.
“Some students may develop a sense of emotional numbness or detachment as a protective mechanism. This can make it difficult for them to express or experience emotions related to the event.”
Low said it was important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where students could express their feelings and concerns openly.