Government, schools need to do more to stop youth suicides, say experts

South China Morning Post

Suicide prevention experts in Hong Kong are working to increase awareness of suicide and mental health issues, and to encourage young people to seek help when they need it. While overall the suicide rate for the city declined from 2010–2012, the rate for teenagers rose during that period, according to the University of Hong Kong’s Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention(CSRP).Deborah Crouch, local director of The Samaritans, which provides hotline support, reported that “We’ve received an increasing number of calls and e-mails from teenagers,” and said that schools in the area should try to improve their education of young people on depression, self-harm,and suicide. Carmen Ng, project leader of the Samaritans’ youth outreach program, said there has been reluctance by some school leaders to welcome such programming due to stigma about suicide in particular. Dr.Paul Wong Wai-ching, a fellow at the CSRP, said the government should make a more concerted effort to prevent suicide, citing commitments by nearbyKorea and Japan to cut their national suicide rates significantly in the next 10-15 years.

Spark Extra! Find out about the Young Samaritans Teen Support Program in Hong Kong.