Suicide Rate Among Children in Hong Kong Increased Significantly Last​ Year

The ‍University of ⁤Hong Kong Suicide Prevention ‌Research Centre⁢ and Lifeline ⁤released the ⁣latest data on ‍suicide in Hong‌ Kong, indicating that the suicide rate in​ Hong‍ Kong last year was 13.6, which is relatively high.

The centre pointed out‌ that the⁣ suicide rate ⁤of women over 60 has ⁢decreased significantly, which is believed to be due to the role​ of community activities. However, ⁤the centre also reminded that the suicide‍ rate of adolescents under⁢ 15 has increased, with Kwun⁣ Tong and Kowloon City becoming the “most ‌affected areas” of youth suicide.

The report bases its estimates on coroner’s court data, which ​shows that the suicide rate in Hong Kong dropped from 14.2 in ‍2022 ⁢to 13.6 in 2023. The male suicide ‍rate of 19.5 is still higher than the female suicide rate of‌ 8.6.

Experts Warn of Worrying Situation

Yip Siu-fai, director ⁢of the centre,‍ pointed out that the situation of people aged 15 and under is worrying. The overall suicide rate in this group increased‍ from 0.9 last year to 2.9 last year, from 0.5 to⁣ 4.2.

Yip Siu-fai believes that society has “medicalized” the⁣ problem of ​suicide, emphasizing that ⁤people⁢ without mental problems can also commit ​suicide. He ⁤also‍ pointed out that​ the Education Bureau ‌has ‍launched a three-level emergency response mechanism, but‍ stressed ‍that the mechanism gives priority to people with mental problems.

Poor Finances⁤ May Increase the ⁢Risk of Suicide

Gan⁤ Man-yu, a DAB legislator, ⁤pointed out that Kowloon City and Kwun Tong are very similar, with a smaller percentage of young people in Kwun Tong. The authorities have limited youth services ⁣in ‌the⁣ district, and families in Kwun Tong district are generally poor, which makes young⁣ people ​pessimistic about the future.

Yu Lian, ⁢senior manager of Lifeline, also acknowledged that “dual-career families” caused by ‍poor economic conditions also increase​ the risk of suicide among school-age children. ‌He hopes ⁢that parents and schools can properly adjust‌ their academic expectations and encourage students to ​face failures and challenges with ‌a ⁤”growth concept.”

Suicide Rates Among Women Over 60 Drop Significantly

The report‍ says​ that last year, the ⁢data⁤ on the elderly fluctuated greatly,‌ while the suicide rate among women over 60 significantly decreased by 25.9%. This is ‍said ‌to ⁣be ‍because the elderly returned to⁢ society⁤ after the⁤ epidemic and⁤ participated in community activities, increasing their sense ⁤of social connection and improving their sense of​ self-esteem.

Liang Yongtang, planning manager of the Lifeline program, pointed out that men⁢ are less likely to proactively seek⁢ help and avoid help due to the⁣ self-esteem​ caused by their pre-retirement situation. ‍He‍ suggested that society should adjust its service methods according to⁢ the situation of ​newly retired people.