Hong Kong’s Education Bureau has denied refusing to assign additional school-based staff to support students’ mental health, calling the claim circulating on social media and in parent groups “without factual basis”. The clarification was issued on 12 September and set out the support arrangements the Bureau says are already operating.
The Bureau said suicidal behaviour among students is complex and may involve emotional problems, family circumstances, school life and relationships. It stressed that early identification, care and support are important.
A three-tier emergency mechanism has been operating regularly in secondary schools across Hong Kong since December 2025, according to the Bureau. It brings together school-based multidisciplinary teams, an external support network and medical services, and has also been extended on a trial basis to Primary 4 to Primary 6.
The Bureau also said it and the Social Welfare Department have put in place a “one school, one social worker” measure in primary schools and a “one school, two social workers” measure in secondary schools.
For the new school year, the Bureau said it would closely monitor how students adjust and, if necessary, allocate additional resources and staff to ensure they receive support. The conditional promise did not specify how much support might be added or when.
The Bureau urged parents and the public not to forward messages it considers inconsistent with the facts. It also advised parents and carers to actively support children showing emotional distress and seek professional assistance.