HONG KONG — Children in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) were generally happier and less stressed in 2016 than they were in the previous year, according to a survey released here Wednesday.

Conducted by the Chu Hai College of Higher Education, the survey covered 1,600 primary and secondary students aged eight to 18.

The index of children's happiness rose to 6.75 out of 10, up from 6.5 in 2015, which was the lowest figure recorded since the first annual survey in 2012, according to the researcher.

The center's director Ho Lok-sang said the improvement was particularly big in children aged 14 and above, adding students were facing less pressure from their studies.

Ho said it was not clear if this was because the children were getting less schoolwork or they were better equipped to cope with pressure.

He said there was a strong correlation between happiness and whether the schools provide "life" education.

"We have found evidence that if you can promote these qualities that I call 'life' (qualities), which are love, insight or wisdom, fortitude or resilience, and engagement, then people will be happy," he said.