Stress Levels For DSE Pupils Remain High: Survey

A survey measuring pupils' stress levels ahead of next week's start of university entrance examinations suggests the coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on their mental well-being.

Announcing the results on Sunday, the Hok Yau Club said the 1,700 form six students polled rated their stress levels at 7.6 out of 10, which is slightly lower than last year's record high of 8.1.

However, the scores were still the second highest since the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) was introduced in 2012.

Students said the pandemic had mostly affected their motivation, concentration and learning progress because of class suspension.

The club's student guidance consultant Ng Po-shing also said students had difficulty releasing their stress as some sport facilities were closed because of the social distancing measures.

"In the past even when students had some pressure from the DSE, they could still do some sports with their classmates, which is quite effective in reducing the pressure,” he said.

"But this year, may be the students can't do so many things to reduce their pressure level. So that's why in general the pressure index is higher.”

Ng also said students were worried about not being able to study their favourite subjects even though it's now less competitive to get into universities thanks to a drop in student numbers.

He reminded students that if they are caught in an ambush lockdown for coronavirus testing on the day of their exam or the night before, they should let authorities know as soon as possible that they are taking the DSE so that special arrangements can be made.