Hong Kong should expand mental health support to reach all young people instead of focusing only on those considered high risk, a government adviser has said. The call comes as concerns grow over the impact of social media and online pressure on the mental well-being of children and teenagers.
Dr. Lam Ching-choi, a member of Hong Kong’s Executive Council and chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, said support systems must be strengthened because mental health challenges are affecting a wider range of students than previously believed.
According to Lam, some recent cases involved children who did not show the common warning signs often linked to mental health difficulties. These students came from stable families, performed well in school, had positive friendships, and were not known to face bullying or serious personal problems.
Lam said these cases show that traditional methods of identifying students in need may no longer be enough. He warned that relying only on visible risk factors could leave many young people without the support they need.
He pointed to the growing influence of social media as one of the factors changing the mental health landscape for young people. Online platforms can expose children and teenagers to constant comparisons, unrealistic expectations, and emotional pressure that may not be obvious to parents, teachers, or friends.
Mental health specialists have increasingly warned that excessive social media use can contribute to anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep problems, and lower self-esteem. While social media offers opportunities for communication and learning, experts say it can also create hidden emotional challenges.
Lam said future mental health policies should place greater emphasis on prevention, early support, and community awareness rather than focusing only on students already identified as high risk.
He encouraged schools, families, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to work together to build stronger support networks for children and teenagers. Early conversations about emotional well-being, he said, can help identify concerns before they become more serious.
The comments came as a prominent Hong Kong business leader announced plans to encourage more young philanthropists to support mental health initiatives. The effort aims to increase funding for community programs that promote emotional well-being among children and young adults.
Supporters of the initiative believe greater private sector involvement can complement government services by providing additional resources for education, counseling, and early intervention programs.
Mental health has become an increasingly important public health issue in Hong Kong in recent years. Schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations have expanded services to improve access to counseling and psychological support for young people.
Health experts say promoting mental well-being requires more than crisis intervention. They recommend creating supportive school environments, encouraging healthy family communication, reducing stigma around mental health, and teaching young people practical coping skills.
Public education also plays an important role. Raising awareness about emotional health can encourage students to seek help earlier and make it easier for families to recognize when additional support may be needed.
Experts stress that mental health challenges do not always have visible warning signs. Even students who appear successful academically or socially may experience emotional struggles that remain hidden.
Lam said broadening mental health support would help create a more inclusive system that reaches all young people, regardless of whether they fit traditional high-risk categories.
As Hong Kong continues to strengthen its mental health strategy, policymakers and community leaders are expected to place greater focus on prevention, early intervention, and improving access to support services. Many experts believe a wider, community-based approach will better protect the mental well-being of future generations.
