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It’s not Hong Kong parents or the education system – the reason for youth despair may lie elsewhere
The phenomenon of overbearing parents pushing their children to the limit seems to be stamped in Hong Kong’s DNA (“Hong Kong’s pushy parents are the problem, not TSA or BCA”, April 3).
While not an exclusively Chinese phenomenon, the parental imperative to make a child excel does seem more prevalent here. And for this, everyone is blaming the high-pressure education system, saying it is even driving students to suicide.
After 71 student suicides since 2013, education chief told Hong Kong schools are like a ‘prison’
But have we ever thought that it is not that simple? A person who commits suicide does so because they feel there is no way out of the problems in their life. Unable to express their feelings, they decide that death is the best solution.
However, I don’t think academic pressure is the biggest factor behind a youngster considering suicide. In life, we have to face a lot of difficulties and hurdles, and we have to learn to tackle these.
Put an end to stereotypes, for students’ sake
Studies can’t be the only factor causing a sense of hopelessness, as the Hong Kong government now provides a lot of opportunities for youngsters to develop their talents.
We have to also face difficulties within the family, in friendships and relationships. I believe these constitute the major factor behind emotional problems, and a feeling of desperation that can drive people to end their life.
Jerry Lam, Tseung Kwan O
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