Survey reveals unsatisfying levels of depression among HK secondary students
The Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service surveyed from November last year to April this year, interviewing over 1,600 secondary school students about their levels of happiness. The results indicate that the overall happiness of these students is only at a moderate level, scoring an average of 2.63 out of 5. Approximately 20% of respondents reported experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, with female students showing notably poorer mental health overall.
The survey results revealed that the areas of life where students expressed the most dissatisfaction were academics, followed by body image and the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) examination. More than half of the respondents frequently criticized and blamed themselves, leading to increased emotional distress and a further decline in their overall happiness.
In light of these findings, the organization suggests that students set achievable goals and effective action plans, focusing on growth rather than just outcomes, which could help reduce self-criticism and emotional distress. Additionally, the group highlighted that adolescents tend to have a low willingness to seek help, recommending that the authorities should institutionalize the Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism for identifying students at high risk of suicide.
The organization also noted that issues related to absenteeism among secondary students continue post-pandemic. In the past year, they received 300 requests for assistance, with 20% of these cases involving social difficulties or habitual absenteeism, often due to learning challenges or issues with teachers and peers. They recommend that schools develop tailored strategies for addressing long-term absenteeism, such as allowing students time for self-study or arranging one-on-one academic support from teachers. Furthermore, the organization urges the government to enhance school-based mental health support programs and to ensure timely referrals to professional services for students in need.
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