ALBAWABA - While overall suicide cases are down from their peak of 1,138 cases in 2024, suicide cases are hitting a 10-year high among the 10-19 age group.
Last year, 46 youths took their own lives in Hong Kong, up from 34 from the previous year; with most of the deaths involving falling from a height. Among the cases was a 10 year old girl.
On the other side, the group which saw the most decline in suicides is the 40-49 year-old demographic, recording 138 cases, down from 186 in the previous year.
And while suicide cases are down from their 2024 peak, they are still well above pre-COVID 19 levels; from 2016 to 2019 the cases hovered around 900-950 but have not gone below 1,000 since the pandemic.
“Post-Covid-19, we saw a deeply concerning trend of digital isolation, as young people turn to screens and even AI chatbots instead of human connection to solve their problems,” he said.
“This virtual alienation is so critical that many countries like Australia, Canada and Britain are trying to limit the screen time of the underage.” said Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai, of the Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong.
He noted that some of the cases could be attributed to impulsivity; having little early signs of distress. Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment for young people where they are cared for and accepted - seeing that many within the age group felt a “deep hopelessness”.
