Opinion | Put an end to stereotypes for students’ sake

I attended the Legislative Council panel on preventing student suicides on Saturday. The meeting, which started at 9am and ended at 3pm, was highly charged.

In a report to the meeting we emphasised the complexity of the suicide situation and said academic pressure was not the direct cause. By saying this, we had no intention whatsoever of downplaying the impact the education system has on our young people. The misinterpretation was unfortunate and much valuable time was wasted.

To only blame the school system is an oversimplification which is not constructive for suicide prevention because we may miss many opportunities to intervene. Furthermore, to do so may prove counterproductive when trying to save students who perceive suicide as an acceptable way of dealing with their difficulties, many of which may not be related to their studies.

I know there are many stereotypes about suicide in our society. For example, when a woman commits suicide, she must have emotional problems or family disputes, an elderly person must be in pain and a youngster under academic pressure.

Those working in the media partly contribute to this stereotyping. They are influenced by such ideas when reporting suicides without carrying out adequate investigations.

Media reports that continue to reinforce stereotypes are then often quoted by others in support of their stereotypical arguments. Such a vicious cycle only further rationalises suicidal behaviour and makes people feel that suicide is normal when facing dilemmas and difficulties.