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Protesters stand by flower bouquets on June 16 and offer prayers for a man who fell from Pacific Place mall in Admiralty and died while protesting against Hong Kong’s extradition law. Photo: Dickson Lee
Opinion
Editorial
by SCMP Editorial
Editorial
by SCMP Editorial

Society cannot afford to ignore wake-up call on youth suicides

  • Counselling hotlines have reported an alarming increase in calls amid political turmoil and city must nurture its most precious asset – future generations

While the fallout continues from the political turmoil that brought millions onto the city’s streets, with China trading barbs with Britain and the United States, a tragic personal dimension to largely peaceful protests is quietly unfolding in Hong Kong. Sadly, three deaths with suicide notes or other references to the crisis since the mass protests began last month may not be the last linked to the controversy over the now-suspended extradition bill. Two subsequent suicide attempts went viral online, with an alarming increase in calls to counselling hotlines further raising fears of copycat behaviour.

It is now apparent that the issue of the government’s handling of the extradition bill became emotionally charged to a degree few anticipated. The loss of three young lives may reflect that. We can do without any further politicisation. Rather, our thoughts must still be for their loved ones and friends. But it is not too soon to talk about the need to deepen our understanding of young people and their concerns if they are not to be a lightning rod for discontent.

Hong Kong protests ‘could trigger mental health crisis’

They face an uncertain future in a mature city now defined by a lack of upward mobility, a growing income gap and soaring housing prices which, together, put the dream of ever owning a home beyond the reach of many. Therefore, they sense a lot of pressure and tend to feel very strongly about some things, such as the contentious extradition bill.

The declaration of “a public mental health situation” by Samaritan Befrienders chief executive Clarence Tang following a surge in bill-related calls does not seem to be overstating it. Paul Yip Siu-fai, director of the Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong, went further saying “society had fallen into hysteria due to a volcanic eruption of the deep-seated identity crisis triggered by the bill”.

The temptation to shift the blame onto young people, or to patronise them, must be resisted. It is understandable that they should feel emotionally troubled and even confused if they lack a voice in an uncertain future. The question is what are grown-ups going to do about it, including the government, political parties and key institutions such as universities and the professions. They must face the future alongside youth and not talk down. The whole of society must be mindful of the need to help young people embrace a more positive outlook and avoid extreme actions driven by despair.

Meanwhile, it remains true that the city can barely claim to have moved forward from the trauma of the Occupy movement five years ago. It cannot afford to ignore yet another wake-up call if it is to nurture its most precious asset – future generations.

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