Hong Kong youth suicide rate hits 10-year high amid overall decline

The suicide rate among Hong Kong's youth aged 0 to 19 surged to a decade-high in 2025, with 47 cases reported, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. This alarming trend emerged as the overall suicide rate for the city saw a decline, reaching its lowest point since 2020.

Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong (SBHK), a non-governmental organization, revealed these figures at a press conference, citing data from the Coroner's Court. While the overall suicide rate dropped to 13.57 per 100,000 people, the rate among children and teens climbed to 4.72 per 100,000. The NGO also reported handling 228 crisis cases among this age group in 2025, with males outnumbering females two to one. Family issues, mental health, and interpersonal relationships were cited as primary concerns.

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The suicide rate among those aged 0 to 19 surged to 47 last year – a 30 per cent increase compared to 2024 figures.

David Cheng, chief executive of SBHK, emphasized the need for enhanced support for young people. He called on the government to incorporate suicide prevention NGOs like SBHK into the "Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism." This existing government initiative, introduced in late 2023, aims to identify students with mental health issues in local schools and make appropriate referrals.

Despite the concerning rise in youth suicides, the overall suicide rate in Hong Kong remains above the global average. According to a 2025 World Health Organization report, the global age-standardized suicide rate stands at 8.9 per 100,000 people. SBHK urged the public to remain attentive to the emotional well-being of those around them and to offer support.

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The NGO would strengthen its services for family and youth in the future. He also urged the government to include suicide prevention NGOs such as SBHK in the “Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism” to provide better support for children and youth at risk of suicide.