As International Youth Day is marked on August 12, tackling Hong Kong’s youth mental health crisis must start with prevention – and ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging on campus. The most powerful agents of change are already in our classrooms: our students themselves. True mental health begins with human connection; learning to navigate differences is what allows young people to flourish both inside the classroom and beyond. True youth empowerment means trusting students to co-create inclusive campuses, rather than treating them merely as passive beneficiaries of care. This youth-led approach directly aligns with the Education Bureau’s emphasis on Values Education and 4Rs Mental Health Charter by strengthening peer relationships.