【Sing Tao Daily】Enhancing Teenagers' Sense of Belonging: Inclusion and High-Quality Activities Are Key

The changes in Hong Kong society and the pandemic have brought negative impacts on teenagers, including a diminished sense of belonging in various aspects of life. This often leads to negative emotions such as fear, frustration, and anger, as well as a decline in life satisfaction and an increase in mental health issues. To explore teenagers' sense of belonging toward their school, Hong Kong, China, and the world, our research team conducted a survey to gain a deeper understanding of the root causes and mechanisms behind these feelings.

The study found that, compared to boys, girls rated the sense of safety provided by the school slightly lower (girls' average score 3.54; boys' average score 3.64), and also felt a lower sense of belonging to the school. However, boys were less active than girls in participating in various school and community activities (for example, in participation in community activities, boys had an average score of 1.95, while girls' average was 2.08). Additionally, some students interviewed mentioned that "participating in inter-school activities makes me feel more connected to the school." Therefore, we suggest that schools could promote anti-bullying programs and encourage student participation in inter-school activities to help create a campus environment where students feel safer and more connected.

The study also revealed that, compared to students born in mainland China, students born in Hong Kong felt a greater sense of belonging to Hong Kong (Hong Kong-born average score 3.93; mainland-born average score 3.78). However, their appreciation of Chinese culture and history, as well as their acceptance of Putonghua, were lower, and they also felt less national belonging (Hong Kong-born average score 3.59; mainland-born average score 4.18). Therefore, increasing these students’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, history, and language may help enhance their sense of national identity. Some students interviewed mentioned that "deepening knowledge about the country’s unique culture increases my sense of belonging to the nation."

Author:

Dr Wang Hui, Associate Professor, Department of Special Education and Counselling, EdUHK

Dr Linnie Wong, Associate Professor, Department of Education Policy and Leadership, EdUHK

Prof Chiu Ming Ming, Chair Professor, Department of Special Education and Counselling, EdUHK

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