Do you ever have any friends who have thought of suicide? Recently, I have read some news about this topic, and I would like to express my opinion on that.

Nowadays, suicide incidents are more and more often especially amongst teenagers. Statistically, suicide is an 8th leading cause of death in Hong Kong. Adults are too busy to take care of their children. Communication plus generation gap push their children away from talking about their problems with them. Parents are still not aware of the severity of ignorance. Thus, suicides become a serious problem amongst teenagers.

The work pressure amongst adults directly affects the relationship between their family members. One of my neighbours, Mr. Chan, complained that he needed to work overtime but didn’t receive any money. ‘My wife and my son are as busy as me too. My wife needs to work until 10:00pm and my son is busy about his assignment. I always want to chat with them but I can’t spare out my time’ he added. It is clear that Mr. Chan has communication difficulties with his family members. Someone claims that give up the job is the only way to have more free time. But, they can have some programmed during the long holidays such as traveling oversea. Not only can they relax in holiday but also can improve the family relationship. So Mr. Chan can communicate more and concern more about his family members.

Suicide is a common problem amongst teenagers and secondary students. As my classmate, Daniel, usually worried about his school programme ‘No one knows my pressure. I am the best student in S4. In addition, I have to work harder and harder. I am also afraid that someone will surpass me’ he grunted. As I know, sometimes he needs to work until 3am. He usually quarrels with his family
members. Keep going on with this study attitude will damage their health and ruin their social relationship. Personally, I think students can study and work together. They can know more and learn more excellence from their partner and reduce the pressure amongst classmates.

Suicides also depend on how they choose their habit, too. Sam, a S4 student, said that he spends a little time on communicating with his classmates because playing computer games after school. ‘Computer games is my life. I cannot live without it’ he exclaimed. Students who lack social activities are scare of his emotional problem. I suggest teenagers go to youth center and take part in some activities. They can meet more friends there and become more outgoing.

All in all, I have some suggestions to share here.

Firstly, the school should have more counselors to handle student’s emotional problems. Whenever students have problem or difficulties, they have someone to consult with and get help from.

Secondly, teenagers should have a good habit such as sport. Sport can help them to build up a good social relationship. Furthermore, they should handle with mental problems sensibly. Whenever they find any problems or difficulties, they should find parents or counselors immediately.

Thirdly, parents should pay more attention on their children behaviours, concern and chat more with them, so that they won’t fell lonely.

Teenagers always want to be cares by friends and parents. Love and concern is very important. If their friends and parents ignore their problems, they will feel hopeless and commit some misbehaviour such as suicide.

I hope his letter can let parents and schools pay more love and concern about teenagers.

Yours sincerely

Brian Ho