THE lack of support from families and friends is the main reason for the increase in teenage suicides, according to Befrienders International, the umbrella organisation for suicide prevention services world-wide which includes The Samaritans' English-speaking service in Hong Kong.
Latest data obtained by the organisation (from the yet to be published Hong Kong Coroners Report 1994) shows the number of suicides increased from 632 cases in 1993 to 749 in 1994 (up by 18.5 per cent).
The figures also show that the elderly and the young are the most vulnerable, with a 50 per cent increase in the number of suicides in the 60 to 69 age group, followed by 10 to 19 years (32.1 per cent up), 50 to 59 years (21.9 per cent) and 20 to 29 years (20.4 per cent up).
Fieldwork/Information Manager of the organisation's Hong Kong regional office, Frances Law Yik-wa, said although suicide was a general problem in the territory, teenage suicide had become more serious.
Ms Law said the reasons for suicide were stress, emotional and school and family problems.
'What makes young people more vulnerable is that they do not have a strong support network.' Ms Law said many families had wrongly placed the responsibility of support on schools. 'School is mainly a place for learning. The support and concern that young people need can only be found at home.' 'They do not feel that their families care. The care they get from teachers and social workers is not as important as that from the family.' Ms Law also pointed out that support and encouragement from peers was also important.