An education veteran on Thursday said the trial period of a mechanism that helps to identify primary four to six students with higher suicidal risks at an early stage, and offer timely support, should be extended for at least a year.

The nine-month test run for the government-led Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism is set to conclude at the end of this month.

From December 2025 to June this year, 14 cases were referred to the Hospital Authority’s psychiatric specialist services.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Langton Cheung, honorary chairman of the Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association, said the figure highlighted the necessity of the mechanism, and the pilot-run — which he described as “short” — should go on for at least another year before a review is carried out for enhancement.

The education sector hopes the system can be regularised in a gradual manner, he added.

Cheung also said that parents play a crucial role in helping to identify pupils for early identification and intervention.

“When we identify a problem but the parents do not agree, and they are in denial or refuse to acknowledge it... when that situation arises, it actually puts schools in a difficult position. Because when we seek help under this emergency mechanism, we also need the parents’ consent.”

The mechanism, therefore, could be enhanced by stepping up cooperation between schools and parents, he added.

Cheung said the mechanism also offers peace of mind to schools, as a dedicated consultation hotline is in place for principals to seek professional advice.



Edited by Tony Sabine