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Benefits of board games
Henrietta Wong Hoi-ching, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School
Vibrant icons and appealing images often attract the attention of teenagers. Many find it difficult to resist the allure of electronic games, leading to extended gameplay. As technology advances rapidly, a wide variety of electronic games have been created to entertain young people. In contrast, board games frequently remain untouched on shelves.
Board games can hold some of our most valuable memories. Unlike electronic games, the memories created by board games are long-lasting. They often become part of family traditions, where we gather around a table, laugh over our mistakes, celebrate victories and reminisce about inside jokes that emerge from playing together.
In contrast, it is challenging to create lasting memories with electronic games, as players connected online often lack the same depth of emotion. Genuine emotions arise from physical presence and shared experiences, which electronic games cannot provide.
Board games promote face-to-face interaction and strengthen relationships. Direct communication enhances friendships and family bonds. In contrast, electronic games often limit this interaction, as communication typically occurs through text messages or voice chat.
Board games are also more affordable than electronic games. They are usually sold at a reasonable price and require just a one-time purchase. Once you buy a board game, you can play it repeatedly without the need for additional equipment. In contrast, electronic games can be expensive, making them unaffordable for some families. They often require frequent upgrades and hardware investments, which can be wasteful. Additionally, teenagers may feel pressured to spend money on “in-game purchases” to enhance their performance, sometimes using up all their savings to improve their chances of winning.
Playing board games also reduces the risk of health problems. Players are not exposed to screens that emit blue light, which helps prevent dry and painful eyes that often result from extended screen time. In contrast, electronic games typically feature high-vibrancy screens that can cause eye strain and long-term damage. Additionally, players often feel compelled to complete a round without taking breaks, which can be physically exhausting.
Sharing laughs with friends while playing board games relaxes the mind and helps alleviate stress. By reducing stress, you gain more energy to tackle daily tasks. On the other hand, electronic games can negatively impact mental health; players often feel stressed when they lose or frustrated when they underperform. It is not uncommon for teenagers to become more impatient in real life due to the fast-paced nature of digital gaming.
In conclusion, while both board games and electronic games are designed for entertainment, board games are superior. They hold our most cherished memories, encourage laughter and are more affordable.
Exotic encounters
Sunny Chan, St Mary’s Canossian College
It wasn’t a zoo or a TV show; it was St Mary’s Canossian College, where exotic animals were right beside us. In July 2025, the school hosted a post-examination activity titled “Wildlife Learning: Exotic Animals Encounter” in the gymnasium for all Form One students. The event included two sessions: a presentation on animal facts and an up-close encounter with exotic species. Overall, it was an educational and observational experience that skilfully combined fun with valuable life lessons.
We began by welcoming John Brown, an expert from the WWF-Hong Kong. He shared fascinating facts about animals with the students. For instance, he explained that axolotls feed on worms, small fish and insects, and that bearded dragons bask under heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
The highlight of the activity was the opportunity to get up close to rare species. Under Brown’s guidance, we were able to hold a hedgehog and interact with parrots. It was truly fascinating when the parrots repeated what I said, and feeling their soft feathers was very satisfying. By learning how to handle these creatures properly, students developed a greater sense of responsibility.
However, there was limited interaction time, and some students, eager to take their turn, occasionally frightened the animals during the scramble to see them. Additionally, certain animals, such as hedgehogs, require extra caution. I was momentarily startled by the hedgehog’s spiny coat, which was somewhat intimidating at first.
This activity taught students essential values, such as attentiveness and responsibility. It was a life-affirming lesson in curiosity, courage and compassion for all living things. This valuable experience made our post-examination period truly unforgettable and rewarding.
