At least 30 million Chinese children under the age of 17 suffer
emotional or behavioral problems, says a report issued by the China
National Children Center on Friday.
The report says mental problems among the country's youth become
more serious as they get older. "Students at grade three in high
schools have more mental and behavioral problems than those at
grade two," the report says, quoting a survey.
With 346 million people aged under 17, China has the world's
largest population of children. It is also the largest youth
population in the country's history.
Experts pointed out that given the rapid social and economic
development of China, Chinese young people are facing unprecedented
temptations and challenges.
A recent survey by China's Center for Disease Control and
Prevention said that 17.4 percent of 9,915 sampled middle school
students had "seriously considered" committing suicide and 8.2
percent had made suicide plans.
Research shows that children in rural areas seem to have more
mental problems than those living in the city, according to the
report.
A 2006 survey conducted by the Harbin Medical University showed
that 19.23 percent of primary and middle school students sampled
have been diagnosed with depression, while the figure for rural
students is 32.5 percent.
"Mental problems have become a key factor affecting the health
of China's young people, and the situation is worsening," said Cong
Zhongxiao, deputy director of the center.
"Avoiding risks while growing up, preventing illegal behavior
and improving mental health are the key challenges for Chinese
youth," Cong said.
The report points out that most students have never sought help
for their depression or other mental problems.
The report urges governments, schools and civil affairs
organizations to pay more attention to the mental health of
teenagers and help prevent and ease their psychological
problems.
(Xinhua News Agency December 9, 2006)