Amid growing concerns over the mental well-being of students, a clinical psychologist has underscored the pivotal role parents play in shaping their children’s mental health. Amos Cheung, a recently appointed member of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, highlighted the critical link between students’ mental well-being and the quality of their relationships with parents.
Cheung emphasized the need to focus on enhancing parents’ mental well-being and communication skills to enable them to serve as positive role models for their children. Drawing attention to recent Education Bureau data revealing a concerning trend, with the number of primary and secondary school students diagnosed with mental illness more than tripling over the past five years, Cheung stressed the urgency of addressing underlying issues.
From his own professional experience, Cheung observed that students’ mental health struggles often stem from conflicts within their families. Many young individuals feel that their conditions are not adequately understood by their parents, who may have their own agendas driving their behavior.
However, Cheung acknowledged that the rise in diagnoses could also be attributed to heightened awareness and sensitivity among parents and educators towards mental health issues. He cautioned that while improved sensitivity may lead to more diagnoses, it could also signal a worsening of mental health conditions among students.
Central to Cheung’s argument is the idea that children and adolescents learn emotional regulation and coping mechanisms from the adults in their lives. Therefore, when parents exhibit compromised mental health or lack emotional stability, it can significantly impact their children’s mental well-being.
Cheung emphasized the need for interventions aimed at enhancing parental mental well-being and communication skills, as parents serve as the primary influencers in their children’s lives. By equipping parents with the tools to effectively manage their emotions and communicate with their children, the overall mental well-being of both parents and students can be improved, thereby fostering healthier relationships and environments conducive to mental health.
