10 ways Hong Kong schools can effectively promote mental health

Student mental health is a matter of great concern. According to the latest data from the Education Bureau, the number of secondary students with mental health issues has doubled over the past five years, from 660 in 2020-21 to 1,330 in 2024-25.In recent years, the Government and various stakeholders in society have worked to halt the continued rise in student suicides. However, the number of suspected suicide cases still rose by 10 per cent between 2024 and 2025, from 28 to 31. To help students in need, the Government has adopted a three-tier system that strengthens schools’ carrying capacity and leverages community resources and the Hospital Authority’s support. The mechanism is being extended from secondary schools to primary schools this year.However, the scheme is still largely based on early detection and treatment of symptomatic cases rather than addressing the causes. A more effective way would be to prevent students from becoming unwell and help them stay healthy.