A recent survey revealed that 24.4% of children and adolescents in Hong Kong had experienced at least one mental health issue. Recognising the importance of student holistic development, EdCity collaborated with the Hong Kong Association for Computer Education Association, the Committee on Home-School Co-operation, and the Joint Council of Parent-Teacher Associations of The Shatin District Ltd., to host a seminar titled ‘Understanding the Role of Mental Health in Children’s Growth and Well-Being’ on 19 October at Shatin Pui Ying College. Dr Honourable LAM Ching-choi, SBS, JP, a member of the Executive Council and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, spoke at the seminar about the importance of open communication between parents and children and the present situation of mental health among Hong Kong’s youth.
Mental health is not a distant concern; International research shows that half of the global population has experienced at least one type of mental illness, which means that either we or those around us are likely affected by it, as Dr Lam stressed. He noted that adolescents often hesitate to seek help because adults tend to hide their emotions. He explained that ‘prevention’ involves not only preventing issues from occurring but also early identification and proactive management, as defined in medical language. To foster open communication, he encouraged parents to share their feelings with their children, taking the vital first step toward dialogue. He also proposed the 4Rs: Relaxation, Relationship, Resilience, and Rest to help parents understand how to support their children’s mental well-being effectively.
The seminar featured a discussion session where five secondary school students opened about the challenges they encounter, such as meeting parental expectations, dealing with exam stress, and maintaining social relationships. Dr Lam listened intently and provided professional insights on various methods for stress relief and effective communication, such as establishing a mutual understanding of expectations with parents. He listened carefully and shared professional views on numerous stress-relieving and efficient communication techniques, such as establishing a mutual understanding of expectations with parents. The students expressed that they found the seminar incredibly beneficial.
After the session, parents were very receptive and sought Dr Lam’s advice on improving communication with their children. He recommended parents engage in their children’s educational lives to better understand them and avoid harsh disciplinary measures. He also stressed the necessity of investigating the causes of their children’s behaviors and giving them the space they need to grow.
The seminar attracted a large audience of parents and students eager to learn more about the importance of mental health.
The seminar was organised by EdCity, with support from the Hong Kong Association for Computer Education Association, Committee on Home-School Co-operation, and the Joint Council of Parent-Teacher Associations of The Shatin District Ltd,. (from left: Mr Eugene Fong Yick Jin, Chairman of Committee on Home-School Co-operation; Mr Ken Ngai Yuen Keung, Executive Director of EdCity; Dr Honourable Lam Ching-choi, SBS, JP ; Mr Chu Ka Tim, Chairman of the Hong Kong Association for Computer Education and Principal of Shatin Pui Ying College; Ms Wong Wan Wa, Vise President of the Joint Council of Parent-Teacher Associations of the Shatin District Ltd.)
Dr Lam shared strategies for parents to communicate their emotions with their children, drawing from both his personal experiences as a father and his professional expertise.