Hope for mental well-being of students lies in collective action
Earlier this year, the government announced the results of a comprehensive survey of Hong Kong’s schoolchildren. The worrying percentage of students with suicidal ideation and the number of attempted suicides call for urgent action.
In response, the Department of Health has increased its focus on the emotional and mental health needs of students by providing enhanced individual counselling and guidance through student health service centres.
In the 2022-23 academic year, the Adolescent Health Programme team visited 279 secondary schools to promote psychosocial well-being and equip students with life skills to better cope with stress. However, it is clear that more needs to be done.
The survey’s findings regarding other health issues, such as being overweight and declining vision, further emphasise the need for a comprehensive approach to student well-being. Addressing these concerns requires collaboration among schools, parents, healthcare professionals and policymakers.
In addition to the existing initiatives, it is crucial to prioritise mental health education and awareness programmes in schools. Providing students with the necessary tools and resources to recognise and cope with stress, anxiety and depression can make a significant difference. Moreover, ensuring access to quality healthcare services, including mental health support, should be a priority for policymakers.
To further support students, it is important to implement artificial intelligence-powered programmes that can educate parents about recognising and addressing mental health issues in their children. By leveraging technology, we can provide accessible resources and guidance to parents, helping them cultivate positive parenting practices that support their children’s well-being.
Furthermore, fostering peer support and interaction among students is vital. Schools can promote the formation of support groups where students can openly discuss their challenges and provide mutual support. Peer mentoring programmes can also be implemented to connect older students with younger ones, creating a sense of community and offering guidance and encouragement.
More time should be allocated for meaningful engagement between students and teachers. Reducing the administrative burden on teachers and increasing classroom support staff can free up time for educators to focus on building strong relationships with their students. This can be achieved through smaller class sizes, enabling teachers to provide individualised attention, identify struggling students and offer timely support.
The successful experiences of other countries can also provide valuable insights. Ultimately, tackling these issues requires a multifaceted approach involving the collaboration of various stakeholders. Together, we can create a supportive and nurturing educational environment that promotes the wellbeing of every student.
Ilnur Minakhmetov, Jordan