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Balanced phone usage
Macy Cheng Wing-lam, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School
I believe that schools should avoid making phone rules stricter without sufficient communication. While I understand the concerns of administrators regarding disruption, mental health and cyberbullying, a total ban seems excessive and counterproductive.
Schools should focus on teaching students how to use technology responsibly. A complete ban on devices eliminates the chance for students to learn self-control. I agree with the Education Bureau’s position that schools should foster self-discipline through discussion rather than through punishment.
Hong Kong has decided that a citywide ban on mobile phones is impractical, so individual schools should adopt a collaborative approach. Many local schools already implement milder policies, such as requiring phones to be turned off or confiscating them for just one day, which appear to be more reasonable solutions.
Instead of enforcing stricter bans, schools should collaborate with students and parents to develop fair and flexible guidelines. This way, students can learn digital literacy and responsibility both on and off campus. A balanced policy will respect students’ concerns while addressing real issues.
Reviving retro sound
Rocky Shi, Hangzhou Yungu School
Apple discontinued the iPod in 2022; however, this iconic music player is surprisingly making a comeback among young people who love retro electronics.
Most of us were born after the iPod first appeared or never owned one when it was considered fashionable. Now, we are searching for second-hand iPods online and restoring old ones.
For teenagers growing up surrounded by smartphones and social media, the iPod represents something rare and valuable: digital freedom. Unlike a phone, an iPod does not bombard you with messages or track your every move. It is simple, focused, and designed purely for music.
The resurgence of the iPod indicates that young people are not solely interested in the latest gadgets; we desire choices. Sometimes, we want to escape the outside world and enjoy music without distractions.
In an era that pressures us to remain online, the iPod has become a symbol of calm and focus. Although the iPod may be considered old-fashioned and inconvenient, its message feels refreshingly contemporary: sometimes the best technology is the one that helps us slow down and maintain our humanity.
Conserve water together
Connie Ho Tsz-ching, CCC Fong Yun Wah Secondary School
On March 21, I participated in Amity’s Walk for Living Water charity walkathon and carnival. Although the name suggests “walking”, our main responsibility was to run a booth promoting water conservation methods.
At first, I wondered if playing games could really make people care about the global water crisis.
However, once the event began, I discovered that every booth was thoughtfully designed. Our activity was called the “Water-Saving Challenge,” a true-or-false quiz in which participants assessed whether various household actions were water efficient.
This year, the organisers introduced an experiential walking segment in which participants carried a bucket of water over a simulated distance to experience the daily hardships faced by residents in areas with limited water supply.
The event not only aimed to educate the public but also included donation boxes and exhibitions to raise funds for the construction of wells and sanitation facilities in underprivileged areas.
This activity made me realise that a captivating booth and a simple game can encourage people to pause and reflect.
Navigating uncertainty together
Echo Luo Kaijing, Tai Kwong Hilary College
We live in an era marked by profound uncertainty and stress. From wars to the escalating climate crisis, global turmoil significantly affects the mental health of students. As teenagers, we deeply worry about what the world will be like when we enter adulthood.
At the same time, we face immediate and intense pressures, including navigating Hong Kong’s hyper-competitive exam system, securing university places and meeting family expectations.
In a world that feels fractured, empathy is essential for our well-being. It serves as a beacon of light during dark times, providing the comforting assurance that we are not alone.
The high-pressure education system leaves secondary students with little time to enjoy their youth free from the shadow of standardised testing. This constant strain is unsustainable.
To protect my own well-being, I make it a point to schedule downtime every day. For me, playing the flute and appreciating music are the ultimate escapes. Engaging with the rhythm and emotional nuances of a melody instantly calms my nervous system, clears my mind and leaves me feeling refreshed.
