School Bullying Cases on the Rise in Hong Kong
The annual average number of reported bullying cases in public primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong rose to 496 during the 2022–2025 period. This represents a 32% increase compared with the annual average of 377 cases recorded during the previous three-year period.
The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups identifies increased awareness of mental health and a corresponding rise in reporting rates as possible explanations for the increase. In addition, some students reportedly struggle to distinguish between joking and bullying. According to Andy Chan, a representative of the federation, students’ tendency to share their experiences on social media, along with comments from other users, can make the resolution of bullying cases more complicated.
The data indicate that school bullying is not confined to the school environment, as digital platforms can also influence how incidents develop and how they are resolved. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening not only school-based bullying prevention efforts but also students’ mental health awareness, digital responsibility, and ability to distinguish between joking and bullying.