Dogs help 'hidden youths' regain their confidence in Hong Kong
Known as social anxiety disorder, the hidden youth phenomenon was first identified in Japan about a decade ago. In recent years, the problem has surfaced across the globe. In Hong Kong, cheap, fast internet makes it easier to stay isolated for a longer period of time.
They lock themselves away in their bedrooms, afraid to face society, and their numbers are growing in Hong Kong. But with the help of animals, a programme is bringing these "hidden youths" out of their shells.
Known as social anxiety disorder, the hidden youth phenomenon was first identified in Japan about a decade ago. In recent years, the problem has surfaced across the globe. In Hong Kong, cheap, fast internet makes it easier to stay isolated for a longer period of time.
In 2007, there were an estimated 18,500 hidden youths aged 15 to 24 years in Hong Kong, but that figure had almost certainly increased, said clinical psychologist Dr Paul Wong Wai-ching, who recently evaluated the programme, launched two years ago.
A tough job market in recent years has worsened the problem of hidden youths, said Wong.
Under the programme, funded in part by the government and run by the Chinese Evangelical Zion Church, young people either visit a youth centre in Tsz Wan Shan to learn pet grooming skills or are visited at home with animals. Most of the participants are finding jobs and venturing back into society.
Wong said: "This is a growing problem in Hong Kong and around the world. Young people have become more educated but after they graduate, they sometimes don't get good jobs and then lose hope."
One problem is finding those suffering from the disorder, Wong added.