Our suicide rate remains disturbingly high, standing at 8.9 per 100,000 last year, and it included 69 people aged 24 or below. The circumstances of each young case may vary, but research has long highlighted typical causes, such as family pressures arising from studying and parents’ expectations. While there is no lack of advice for officials, educators and parents on how to prevent suicides, the recurrence of tragedies underlines the need for all stakeholders to work harder.

That our children have to cope with a pressure-cooker learning environment is nothing new. But it says something when the survey shows so-called standard study hours are backed by most parents, whose parenting approach and expectations are often blamed for adding to the burden of their children. It would be good news if parents are genuinely ready for change.

The study cap may or may not work, but the spirit is to relieve our children of the stress as much as possible. This cannot be done without all stakeholders asking themselves whether they have done their best to address the problem. They owe it to society and those who have lost their loved ones to do better.