Empowering Youths for Social Rejuvenation
In our fast-paced and ever-changing world, teenagers today face immense stress from multiple aspects of their lives. Professor Cherry TAM believes social entrepreneurship education and training can be key solutions to help enhance the psychological strength, resilience and self-esteem among young people today
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In an increasingly competitive, complex and fast-paced world, it is not surprising that our youths are facing the kind of stress and challenges unseen previously. In fact, youth mental health has emerged as a defining concern of our time.
A recent study commissioned by the Hong Kong government has revealed that around 24 per cent of Hong Kong’s youth aged between six and 17 have experienced one mental health issue in the past year. Ominously, more than eight per cent of secondary school students have thought about suicide. Comparing these to global trends, Hong Kong is on the higher end.
While the situation is alarming, there is much that can be done, says Professor Cherry TAM, Associate Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences at City University of Hong Kong. But first, understanding the root cause is important.
Creating Opportunities
According to Tam’s research, key factors contributing to this alarming trend are academic stress, family relationships and interpersonal relationships. To address these issues, early prevention and raising awareness are important. And society also needs to create enough opportunities for young people to explore their interests and personalities through collaborations.
