Alarming Rates of Bullying and Depression Among Asian New Zealanders Revealed in Groundbreaking Report

Recent findings from the 2025 Asian Well-being and Mental Health Report have exposed a growing crisis within New Zealand's Asian communities. The report, commissioned by Asian Family Services, highlights the severe impact of bullying, depression, and discrimination on Asian New Zealanders, particularly among young people and their families. With nearly half of Asian parents reporting that their children have faced bullying at school in the past year, and over half of Asian adults showing signs of depression, the data paints a deeply concerning picture of mental health and well-being.

Bullying in Schools: A Silent Epidemic

The report found that 46.3% of Asian parents believe their children have experienced bullying in the past 12 months. Indian and Chinese households are most affected, with 39.5% and 32.6% of bullying cases respectively. The most common forms of bullying include verbal abuse (71.8%), social exclusion (36.9%), and cyberbullying (14.1%). Alarmingly, the report indicates that primary and intermediate school students are most vulnerable, pointing to an early onset of bullying behavior that may have long-term psychological consequences.

Parents reported a range of negative outcomes, including anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and even self-harm. However, only 34.3% of parents were satisfied with their schools' responses to bullying, underscoring a significant gap in support systems. Kelly Feng, CEO of Asian Family Services, described the findings as “alarming,” noting that many parents are not only unaware of available resources but also hesitant to seek help due to cultural stigma and a lack of trust in the system.

Depression Rates Soaring Among Asian Adults

The report also revealed that 57.2% of respondents are at risk of depression, a significant increase from the 44.4% reported in 2021. Young adults aged 18 to 29 are the most affected, with 72% showing signs of depression. Women are also more likely to experience depression than men (60.3% vs. 53.9%). The report highlights a sharp decline in life satisfaction among Asian communities, with a 11.4% drop since 2021, particularly among younger adults and those in urban areas.

Discrimination and Systemic Barriers

Discrimination remains a critical issue, with 22.2% of Asian respondents reporting experiences of race-based bias. The report also identified systemic barriers to mental health support, with many Asian parents reluctant to seek help due to cultural norms and a lack of culturally appropriate services. Kelly Feng emphasized the need for ethnic-sensitive interventions in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings, calling it a “silent crisis” that demands urgent attention.

Recommendations for Change

The report calls for a nationwide anti-bullying strategy with cultural sensitivity, funding for community navigators in schools, and training for teachers in bullying prevention. It also recommends improving access to mental health services and creating parent toolkits and peer support networks to better support Asian families. These measures aim to address the deep-rooted issues of discrimination, mental health, and social isolation within the community.

Where to Seek Help

• Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO
• Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
• Samaritans: 0800 726 666
• Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email [email protected]
• What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787
• Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832

The survey, conducted online from May 2 to May 21, gathered responses from 1016 Asian adults nationwide. The findings are a stark reminder of the urgent need for culturally responsive mental health support in New Zealand, and a call to action for policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to address the growing crisis within the Asian community.