3-tier emergency mechanism for student mental health

A three-tier emergency mechanism supporting students’ mental health is being piloted in upper primary schools, with the current trial set to end at the end of this month.

With the new school year beginning next week, the Advisory Committee on Mental Health says authorities are reviewing the scheme with an announcement expected soon.

The committee’s chairman Dr. Lam Ching-choi says there was an increasingly younger trend among children experiencing mental health problems with younger cases of child suicide.

The three-tier mechanism aims at earlier identification and support to pupils with higher suicide and mental health risks.

According to Social Welfare Department figures, an external support network comprising five NGOs received 95 referrals from primary schools between December last year and the end of June.

The Hospital Authority’s psychiatric services also received 14 cases referred by primary school principals.