Education Bureau Slams Rumors of Refusing to Boost On-Campus Mental Health Support
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region issued a formal clarification on September 12, 2026, in response to what it described as widespread false information circulating on social media platforms and parent chat groups. The rumors falsely claimed that the Education Bureau had refused to increase on-campus support personnel to address student mental health concerns. The bureau stated categorically that these allegations have no basis in fact and urged the public not to believe or retransmit such rumors .
Key Points
- The Education Bureau expressed deep sorrow over recent student suicide incidents, acknowledging that such tragedies stem from complex factors including emotional difficulties, family circumstances, school environments, and interpersonal relationships .
- The bureau has implemented a three-tier support model recommended by the Committee on the Prevention of Student Suicides, comprising "Universal," "Selective," and "Targeted" levels, delivered through whole-school participation and cross-professional collaboration .
- School-based educational psychology services have covered all public ordinary secondary and primary schools since the 2016/17 academic year, with enhanced services for schools serving students with special educational needs, achieving a psychologist-to-school ratio of 1:4 .
- The "One School One Social Worker" policy operates in primary schools while secondary schools benefit from "One School Two Social Workers," providing flexible support tailored to each school's circumstances .
- The bureau will closely monitor students' adaptation to the new school year and stands ready to increase resources and personnel when necessary to ensure comprehensive and timely support .
Why It Matters
This clarification comes at a sensitive time when student mental health concerns have drawn heightened public attention following tragic incidents. The bureau's swift response aims to prevent misinformation from undermining public trust in government support systems and to direct resources toward genuine help-seeking rather than rumor-mongering .
This clarification comes at a sensitive time when student mental health concerns have drawn heightened public attention following tragic incidents. The bureau's swift response aims to prevent misinformation from undermining public trust in government support systems and to direct resources toward genuine help-seeking rather than rumor-mongering .