'Tiered emergency mechanism trial should be extended'
An education veteran on Thursday said the trial period of a mechanism that helps to identify primary four to six students with higher suicidal risks at an early stage, and offer timely support, should be extended for at least a year. The nine-month test run for the government-led Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism is set to conclude at the end of this month. From December 2025 to June…
A seasoned education advocate has urged for the extension of the trial period for a government-led emergency mechanism designed to identify primary four to six students at risk of suicide. The nine-month pilot program, which concluded at the end of this month, identified 14 cases that were referred to psychiatric specialist services at the Hospital Authority from December 2025 to June this year.
Langton Cheung, honorary chairman of the Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association, emphasized the critical need for the mechanism to be continued for at least another year before a review for enhancement. He described the pilot run as "short" and stressed that a longer trial would provide more comprehensive insights for improvement.
Cheung also highlighted the crucial role parents play in identifying pupils who may require early intervention, noting that the mechanism's effectiveness depends on parental consent. The system offers schools a dedicated consultation hotline for professional advice, providing peace of mind to educators. Cheung advocated for a gradual regularization of the system, with enhanced cooperation between schools and parents being key to its success.
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