The kids aren’t alright.
One in five primary school students in the city suffer from depression, according to a recent survey, adding again to the multitude of studies pointing out the intense pressure faced by young pupils in Hong Kong, reported HK01.
The research, by the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, is based on the results of some 1,819 questionnaires sent to students aged between 9 and 19 years old from 18 schools across the city.
It cited studies as one of the major factors impacting young students’ mental health, while also warning children were becoming alienated from their parents amid the intense pressure to perform.
While 20 percent were deemed to suffer from depression, 12.3 percent were categorized as experiencing severe depression.
Almost 20 percent of respondents identified choosing their secondary school and adjusting to a new environment as major sources of stress.
About the same amount said they had too little time to play or felt they had no power to arrange activities themselves.
Some 18.7 percent, meanwhile, cited the fact their grades were lower than expected as a reason they felt unhappy.
Researchers interviewed several students, who provided insight into their experience, reported HK01.
Among them, a grade eight pupil named Bel, who said while the severe competition at the prestigious primary school she attended robbed her of confidence it also prevented her from complaining.
“I worried about it would imply I was not good enough, and I will never cry, because crying means I was not strong,” said Bel, explaining that she was cared for by her grandparents as her parents were often away for work, with the resulting generation gap also leading to tension.
The report is the latest in a seemingly never ending series of studies suggesting the weight of expectations is overburdening young students.
A survey from St James’ Settlement in October showed that, do real with the pressure, the majority of children turn to the internet or eating food to relax.
Only a quarter of respondents in that survey said they would turn to their parents when overwhelmed at school.
The survey also revealed 40 percent of young students were anxious about their families economic circumstances, with 23 percent worried to the point of tears.
However the stress isn’t being just borne by students.
The Hong Kong Institute of Family Education last month interviewed more than 500 parents whose children are learning in primary school.
Some 66 percent of respondents reported losing their patience while trying to help teach their children, while 60 percent said they had reduced the amount of leisure time they spend with their kids because of academic requirements.
Lessening schools’ focus on grades was also addressed by Chief Executive Carrie Lam in her October policy announcement, in which she proposed setting aside HK$900 million (US$115 million) to bolster activities outside the classroom like field trips.
“The development of our young people should be holistic and should not be limited to academic achievement,” she said.
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