Rise in Youth Suicides Sparks Concern in Hong Kong

Concerns have been raised about the recent surge in youth suicides in Hong Kong, with the number of reported cases rising by over 20% last year compared to 2007. The 2008 Coroner's Report revealed that a total of 157 people aged below 30 committed suicide in 2008, a 22% increase from the 129 reported in 2007. The Samaritans, a suicide prevention group, has pointed out that suicides have accounted for nearly 10 times more deaths in the past five years than those caused by traffic accidents. The group has expressed alarm at the trend and is launching a new program to train secondary school students to identify and support peers at risk of suicide.

Key Takeaways:

• The number of youth suicides in Hong Kong rose by 22% in 2008 compared to 2007, with 157 reported cases.
• Suicides have accounted for nearly 10 times more deaths in the past five years than those caused by traffic accidents.
• The Samaritans received 31,030 calls for help in the budget year of 2008-09, with confirmed male callers making up 34% and female callers making up 30%.
• The association's publicity and fund-raising manager, Serena Wong Sze-sze, noted that women are more open to talking about their problems, while men are reluctant to discuss their issues with those they know.
• Wong stated that some young people communicate with others trying to commit suicide on the internet, highlighting the need for awareness and support.
• Jody Wong, a 17-year-old participant in the Young Samaritans Peer Support Programme, shared her personal experience of depression and self-harm, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and supporting others.
• The Samaritans aim to recruit 60 students from 30 schools for the program, which will train them in identifying classmates or friends at risk and providing support.
• The program focuses on increasing local students' participation by offering training in Chinese, a first for the organization.

Statistics:

• 157 people aged below 30 committed suicide in 2008.
• A 22% increase in youth suicides was reported in 2008 compared to 2007.
• 962 people committed suicide in 2008, while 111 were killed in traffic accidents.
• The Samaritans received 31,030 calls for help in the budget year of 2008-09.
• Confirmed male callers accounted for 34% of calls, while female callers made up 30%.
• 855 suicides were reported in 2007, while 106 deaths were caused by car accidents.

Sources:

• The 2008 Coroner's Report
• The Samaritans
• Serena Wong Sze-sze, publicity and fund-raising manager for The Samaritans