Opinion | The Hong Kong government cannot reverse 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 Hong Kong’s youth suicide rate between 2019 and 2022. A slight year-on-year increase in the rate was recorded in 2023. The years have have been linked to broken families, highlighting the impact of an unstable environment on children’s well-being.

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

The alarming increase in the disappointment of youth requires urgent intervention. In response, the government has adopted policy measures to address these interconnected issues.

In his latest policy address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted a number of initiatives to meet the diverse needs of young Hong Kongers, including nurturing talents, providing more living space, digital engagement, developing creative skills, planning life and employment support.

While laudable, these policies depend on public funding and this imposes a significant financial burden, especially as Hong Kong’s post-pandemic economic challenges have left fiscal reserves at their lowest. the lowest in a decade. Public spending in the last financial year, at HK$760 billion ($97.76 billion), rose almost three times faster than government revenue, and cost controls became necessary.

The government has already restructured its commissions and offices to better respond to the needs of young people. Importantly, the Home Affairs Bureau was transformed into the Home Affairs and Youth Bureau in 2022 to provide a unique platform for youth policy initiatives. Coordination function a Youth Development Commission it has also been enhanced to emphasize inter-office, inter-departmental and cross-sectoral cooperation.