{
  "id": 1259805,
  "title": "Experts warn of academic pressure crisis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/experts-warn-of-academic-pressure-crisis-1259805",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-16T10:56:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1866359-20260816.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the new school year draws near, a mediation expert is urging families and institutions to place greater emphasis on students' emotional well-being rather than their academic achievements. This call to action stems from a recent survey that found a significant number of students are grappling with overwhelming academic pressure. The research, conducted by Junior Chamber International Lion Rock and the Hong Kong Family Mediation Association, surveyed 361 students and their parents between March and August. The results indicate that an alarming 46.9 percent of students and 42.1 percent of parents consider academic pressure the primary cause of anxiety among young people.\n\nThe survey revealed that daily family discussions often revolve around homework and exams, with numerous students equating their grades to their self-worth and even their likability. When grades fail to meet expectations, students report that this mindset can lead to profound existential anxiety and painful self-denial. Fish Leung, the executive director of the Hong Kong Family Mediation Association, emphasized the necessity for families and society to reassess their approach and address the underlying emotional needs behind student stress. To assist parents in managing tense situations, Leung recommended a technique known as \"pause and refrain.\" When parents encounter their children's \"bad attitude,\" they are advised to pause and perceive the behavior as an emotional distress signal, responding with empathy and support.\n\nThe study also highlighted a notable communication gap between parents and their children. While 22 percent of students stated that their parents failed to recognize their stress, only 12 percent of parents acknowledged their inability to detect their children's distress. Moreover, 11 percent of the surveyed students admitted to engaging in extreme behaviors, such as self-harm, due to emotional pressure. Consequently, the survey organizers have called upon schools, families, and community leaders to remain vigilant and treat these extreme actions as urgent cries for help rather than isolated incidents. The organizers stressed the importance of preventive mediation and proactive emotional guidance moving forward.",
  "summary": "A mediation expert is calling on families and schools to prioritise emotional well-being over exam results as the new school year approaches. The appeal follows a new survey revealing that nearly half of all students consider academic pressure their heaviest burden. The study, jointly conducted by Junior Chamber International Lion Rock and the Hong Kong Family Mediation Association, polled 361…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK News",
        "title": "Experts warn of academic pressure crisis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/experts-warn-of-academic-pressure-crisis",
        "published": "2026-08-16T10:56:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}