The STEAM Education and Research Centre of Lingnan University, in collaboration with the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, the Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the HK Paediatric Society, organized the "HK Children Happiness and LIFE Education Index 2022/23" press conference on August 30, 2023. Professor HO Lok Sang, Director of the STEAM Education and Research Centre of Lingnan University, Prof. FUNG Po Gee, Genevieve, president of HK Paediatric Society and Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prof. IP Patrick, Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine of the University of Hong Kong and Mr. SHIH Wing Ching, Founder of Centaline Properties attended the press conference.
Group photo of the guest speakers
This year, the Lingnan University team was joined by the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, the Department of Paediatrics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the HK Paediatric Society. The 2022/2023 study began with an invitation sent to all HK's non-international schools in March 2023. We enlisted a total of 10 primary schools and ten secondary schools in this study, covering 1448 primary school students, 1795 secondary school students, and 146 teachers.
The HK school children index is compiled using Primary 4 to Primary 6 and Form 1 to Form 3 students. Form 4 and Form 5 data are not included in the index but are included in some analyses. This index was compiled by averaging the indices for different age groups and showed a small decline from 6.77 to 6.62 on the 0 to 10 scale. An alternative compilation based on averaging the indices for different grades indicates a decline from 6.67 to 6.62, which in percentage terms is negligible.
Professor HO Lok Sang, Director of STEAM Education and Research Centre, giving a presentation
Professor HO Lok sang stated that the survey measured students' psychological capital based on "LOVE," “INSIGHT," " FORTITUDE," and " ENGAGEMENT. The "INSIGHT "index was related to students' self-management and emotional processing, significantly impacting their happiness index. The survey also found that cases of school bullying had improved in lower grades, with this year's "Not Bullied Index" at 3.814 (on a scale of 1 to 5, where higher values represent less bullied), showing a 1% slight decrease year-on-year. In higher grades, the index was lower than in lower grades but displayed a declining trend. Professor HO mentioned that school bullying often occurs among younger children with weaker resistance. However, the survey found improvements in primary schools, indicating that increased life education effectively reduced school bullying. He also noted that only 40% of teachers reported receiving life education training, making it challenging to set an example for students. He hoped that the government would make life education a compulsory course in teacher training colleges and strengthen in-service training.
The School LIFE Education Index was found to have risen from 3.85 to 3.95 on the 1 to 5 scale, and this is the second year in a row. Family LIFE Education Index rises from 3.83 to 3.92. Students' mental capital, which is based on questions relating to Love, Insight, Fortitude, and Engagement, is relatively stable, but the Insight score has fallen, and this is a key reason why the happiness index dipped.
Prof. IP Patrick, Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, noted that "the epidemic occurred three and a half years ago, and Hong Kong suspended face-to-face classes for the longest time globally." He pointed out that many students who started primary and secondary school in recent years lacked social interaction and had difficulty adapting to campus life. He reminded parents to pay attention to their children's emotions after school and understand their interactions with new classmates. Prof IP also mentioned that different studies had shown that during the pandemic, the brain development of younger children may have been affected, making them more vulnerable to harm at school and home. He hoped to provide school-based support and positive parenting education for students.
Prof. IP Patrick, Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, expressing the suggestion
Mr. SHIH Wing Ching, the founder of Centaline Property, expressing the suggestion
Mr. SHIH Wing Ching, the founder of Centaline Property, expressed that "happiness is an important pursuit in life" and noted that children have better conditions for happiness compared to adults due to facing fewer difficulties and pressures. He reminisced about his childhood, where he primarily encountered two major sources of stress that influenced his level of happiness: the pressure of exams and school rules.
Mr. SHIH Wing Ching cited the example of the "Nature School" supported by the Centaline Charity Fund. At this school, there is minimal pressure from exams and school rules. He mentioned that "students spend their summer vacation asking their moms when they can go back to school." He believes that one way to enhance children's happiness is to reduce the stress of examinations, as children would be much happier with fewer tests. Additionally, schools can consider simplifying their rules and reducing the demands placed on students. When the pressure from exams and school rules decreases, schools can become a source of happiness for children.