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SCMP Editorial
Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Hong Kong must tackle roots of youth mental health crisis

The city could use a change of culture and a more compassionate environment in which all students can thrive and be happy

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A group of secondary school students look at the view of Victoria Harbour while riding on an escalator in Wan Chai on May 22. Photo: Elson Li
SCMP Editorial
Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.

The mental health problems faced by the young, leading in extreme cases to suicide, are a long-standing issue experienced widely around the world. But they remain a source of deep public concern, requiring constant attention.

There were 91 suspected suicides among school pupils in Hong Kong between 2023 and 2025. The figure rose from 28 in 2024 to 31 last year, despite a range of initiatives intended to improve the well-being of students and provide those at risk with support. Every young life lost is one too many. The reasons for each suicide are complex. But the challenges and pressures faced by young people are well known and they are increasing.

Time spent on social media can limit their ability to develop much-needed people skills and can expose them to cyberbullying or other harmful content. Many are becoming emotionally attached to artificial intelligence.

The pressure to achieve academic excellence is intense, notably in Hong Kong and mainland China. Forging a career is becoming more difficult with youth unemployment on the rise in many parts of the world. There is a need for greater awareness of the problem.

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