Suicide in Hong Kong

In 2017, the suicide rate in Hong Kong was around 12 deaths per 100,000 people and ranked 32 in the world standing, which was its lowest rate in four years. The suicide rate for males was nearly double that for females, as it was 16.2 deaths per 100,000 males, and 8.8 deaths per 100,000 females. Although it has decreased slightly compared to previous years, for those aged 19 or younger it has risen by 50%.^[1] The Samaritans Hong Kong charity has described the issues as worthy of attention.^{[citation needed]}

Factors in suicide include the Hong Kong education system and pressure from families.^[2][3] The Hok Yau Club (a Hong Kong public charity and a member of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service) mainly serves young students and provides counselling services. It also organises various extracurricular activities. Deputy director-general Wu Baocheng believes that current social values are the main source of student pressure: "This competition starts from kindergartens, the first things students learn in school was to score full marks in all tasks, instead of building up their own personality." He also mentioned that the reasons for success in the Hong Kong education system was due to the competitive learning environment.

The suicide rate among students is relatively high. According to research from City University, almost one-third of teenagers (age 10–14) in Hong Kong have been identified as potentially suicidal.^[4]