Not at all. I’m happy if someone calls me a “kid” because it makes me feel young, with unlimited possibilities ahead of me.
Being called a kid also reminds me that I can still do child-like things sometimes. For example, on Halloween, I can dress up as a ghost or skeleton and go knocking on the doors of my neighbours asking for candy. I can also play kids’ games such as hide-and-seek with my friends.
Being called a kid is really not a problem for me.
Ally Yip Hei-yan, 16
When people call me “kid”, I feel very confused. I am 12 years old and definitely not a kid any more. I think some people use it because I am very short.
My mum always calls me a kid because of the way I act. I don’t like it. I want everyone to address me using my English or Chinese name.
Wong Yi-wing, 12
What do you think is the worst thing about teenagers today?
I find it very insulting. A lot of people call me kid because they think I am just a young girl but I’m not! I am a secondary school student and I take my responsibilities seriously.
I am the oldest sibling at home and I need to take care of my little brother. I can also cook, and I help my mum with the dishes.
I’m not a kid any more. You should call me an adult from now on.
Yones Leung Hoi-yau, 12
If someone called me “kid”, I’d be very angry. It would mean they don’t respect me. They should call me by my name. The days of being a kid are long gone.
James Li, 12
I’m happy when someone calls me “kid”. I know I’ve matured since I started secondary school, but to my mum and dad, I will always be a kid.
People use that word to show their affection for someone, so I don’t find it offensive. But, if we are complete strangers and meeting for the first time, please call me Anson.
Anson Fok, 12
If you had the chance to study overseas in the near future, would you take it?
Yes, of course. It’s a big problem that bothers me almost every day.
I know I still look like a “kid” because of my height. But I’m actually a teenager!
I think people should refer to me as “miss”. It is more polite, especially in public.
Everyone, whether they are children or adults, deserves respect.
Ng Choi-yin, 13
By law in Hong Kong, anyone under 18 is a child – or a “kid”. But I think the word describes a primary school student, particularly a very young one. They aren’t really capable of sensible thought, and don’t know what is right and wrong. I think adults should refer to those of us in our tweens and teens as boys or girls.
Tony Tang, 12
