There have been many cases of teenage suicides in the last few months in Hong Kong.
The decision by three teenagers to take their own lives on Cheung Chau, on March 17, was particularly shocking. It must prompt us to ask this question: What is going on with our younger generation?
So many young people nowadays have negative ideas about life. They need to improve their problem-solving skills. But they cannot do this alone. Parents, teachers, the Government and the media, must share the responsibility of helping our teenagers.
Communication is especially important. Teachers should try and talk to students in their classes, individually, once a month. This might help the teachers to recognise problems early and prevent a tragedy from happening. They must even talk with pupils who appear to be okay. This is because sometimes a young person who feels suicidal shows no outward signs of trouble. Parents must communicate more with their children and show their love and concern. Although parents may feel embarrassed to tell their children how much they love them, it means so much to a young person with emotional problems. The Government should introduce 'life education' courses in secondary and primary schools, so that young people can develop the right attitudes towards life. The administration also needs to hire more psychologists to provide counselling services to problem pupils. Each school should have at least one social worker.
Although the media have no choice but to report on suicides, the impression must never be given that in some ways committing suicide is romantic or heroic.
HELEN CHAN
