Opinion | The Hong Kong government cannot turn the tide of youth disenchantment on its own

Youth mental well-being has become an important public health issue, especially given the alarming increase in the suicide rate among young people in Hong Kong from 2019 to 2022. In 2023, there was a slight year-on-year increase in this indicator. More than half of suicides among Hong Kongers under 15 years of age have been linked to broken homes, highlighting the impact of unstable environments on children’s well-being.

in Hong Kong, youth suicide notes revealed a disturbing sense of hopelessness, reflecting the disillusionment of young people in the city. The young generation faces challenges in adapting to the rapid social and economic changes that have occurred in recent years, which have reduced their prospects for upward and upward mobility. home ownershipand added to a feeling of purposelessness.

Alarming growth disappointment of youth requires urgent intervention. In response, the government adopted policy measures to address these interrelated problems.

In his latest speech, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu outlined a series of initiatives aimed at meeting the diverse needs of young Hong Kongers, including developing talent, providing more living space, digital engagement, creative skills development, life planning and employment support.

While this policy is laudable, it is dependent on public financing, which imposes a significant financial burden, especially as Hong Kong’s post-pandemic economic challenges have left fiscal reserves at lowest in a decade. Public spending in the last financial year, amounting to HKD760 billion ($97.76 billion), increased almost three times faster than government revenues and cost control became necessary.

The government has already restructured its committees and offices to better meet the needs of young people. Importantly, in 2022, the Office of Home Affairs was transformed into the Office of Home Affairs and Youth to provide a comprehensive platform for youth policy initiatives. Coordination function Youth Development Commission it has also been improved to emphasize inter-ministerial, inter-ministerial and cross-sectoral cooperation.