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Teen life unfiltered
Karli Fong Hau-yi, St Mary’s Canossian College
As a teenager, I want to express my feelings about how often it seems adults don’t truly understand what we’re experiencing. Every day, I notice my friends looking exhausted, anxious and sad. It is concerning to see how much pressure we’re under.
Many adults believe that being a teenager is easy. They say things like, “You don’t have to worry about paying bills, so why are you stressed?” The truth is that teenagers, like me, experience a lot of stress. We worry about our exams, our grades and our future. We think about whether we will get into a good school or find a job one day.
We also worry about our appearance, our friendships and what others think of us. Social media makes this even worse because we tend to compare our everyday lives to other people’s best moments.
In Hong Kong, there is immense pressure to excel. Parents expect their children to achieve high scores, and teachers often compare students with one another. If a student fails a test, it can feel like their whole life is over.
This kind of pressure can leave many teenagers feeling hopeless. Some stop eating, some harm themselves and others struggle to even get out of bed.
Here’s the most frustrating part: when we ask for help, adults don’t always listen. They often say things like “stop overthinking” or “just study harder and stop being lazy”. This makes us feel like our pain isn’t real.
As a result, we keep everything bottled up inside, which is very dangerous. I want adults to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. If a student broke their leg, no one would tell them to walk it off. So why do we tell a student with anxiety or depression to cheer up?
Schools should provide adequate mental health support. Teachers need to learn how to identify a student who is struggling. Parents should ask, “How are you feeling?” instead of focusing on grades.
We teenagers also have a role to play. We should aim to be kinder to one another, stop judging and start listening. We can say, “I don’t know how to help, but I am here for you.” That simple sentence can make a significant difference.
We cannot face this challenge alone. We need adults to take us seriously. We need help, not blame. We need understanding, not pressure.
Please do not wait until it is too late. Every year, many young people give up because they feel there is no way out. Let’s change that.
Let’s start talking about health openly, without shame. Let’s build a world where teenagers like me do not have to suffer in silence.
Two cities, one harmony
Connie Liu, St Rose of Lima’s College
I want to share my thoughts on the Young Post article titled “Deep Dive: Hongkongers Head to Shenzhen’s New Cultural Hotspots”, published on May 18.
The article indicated that more Hong Kong residents are visiting the nearby city of Shenzhen to enjoy its cultural attractions and budget-friendly offerings.
However, some people are concerned that this trend could negatively impact Hong Kong’s economic growth. I hold a different viewpoint because both Hong Kong and Shenzhen have their own unique features.
Hong Kong serves as an international centre for cultural exchange and hosts a variety of world-class events, such as K-pop concerts and the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival. Additionally, it functions as a major commercial port, providing a wide range of imported goods from around the globe.
On the other hand, Shenzhen boasts a well-established cultural infrastructure, including the Shenzhen Bay Culture Square, which combines natural landscapes with commercial areas. This allows visitors to explore the environment while enjoying shopping at reasonable prices.
Humans naturally seek diversity, and in this regard, each of these cities complements the other, which ultimately supports economic growth on both sides.
In fact, cross-border exchange benefits both regions: Hong Kong residents often visit Shenzhen for relaxation and sightseeing, while Shenzhen residents travel to Hong Kong for concerts, art exhibitions and other events. This exchange allows people to experience two contrasting urban cultures and styles.
In my personal experience, visiting Shenzhen and Hong Kong is not mutually exclusive. I enjoy the shimmering waters of Victoria Harbour while also savouring the fresh air at Shenzhen Bay Park.
The dynamic energy of Hong Kong, combined with the tranquillity of Shenzhen, enhances their bilateral relationship and fosters economic growth for both cities.
