Number of Hong Kong secondary students with mental illness doubles over last 5 years
Education authorities say the increase could be under-reported because of reluctance among parents and pupils to disclose health information
The number of secondary school students diagnosed with mental illness in Hong Kong has doubled over the last five academic years, with the increase potentially under-reported due to reluctance among some pupils and parents to disclose health information, education authorities have said.
The data aligns with a trend recorded by the Health Bureau showing a growing number of people aged 15 to 24 being treated in psychiatric departments at public hospitals.
In this age group, the number of patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression rose by 57 per cent and 43 per cent in five years, respectively.
According to official figures submitted by education authorities to the legislature on Tuesday, the number of secondary school students diagnosed with mental illness rose from 660 in 2020-21 to 1,330 in the 2024-25.
The biggest increase was seen among students with special educational needs, who faced nine different types of mental illnesses, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder.
In primary schools, the number of students diagnosed with mental illness also jumped from 130 to 200 in the same period, marking a 54 per cent increase.