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Protect abused children
Stefanie Shiu, Pope Paul VI College
I am writing to express my strong support for updating Hong Kong’s child protection laws. It is alarming that our current legal framework dates back to an era before smartphones and social media existed.
Young victims face threats like sexual harassment and abuse of trust. Worse still, expecting traumatised children to remember exact dates and locations of repeated abuse places an unfair burden of flawless memory on them.
The proposal to criminalise grooming and introduce a specific offence for continuous child sexual abuse is an essential step forward.
As students and members of society, we must ensure that our laws actively protect victims rather than penalising them for losing their memories.
If you are facing issues such as domestic violence or sexual abuse, help is available. In Hong Kong, dial 999 in an emergency, text 18281 for CEASE Crisis Centre’s 24-hour crisis support with sexual violence hotline, or contact Hong Kong’s Social Welfare Department at +852 2343 2255. See a full list of resources here.
Debating social media bans
Sally Cao, Pui Kiu College
I am writing in response to the South China Morning Post article “Addiction is irreversible: Hong Kong urged to ban under‑16s from social media”, published on August 8.
To combat the youth mental health crisis, several countries have introduced laws banning those under 16 from using social media. Following this trend, Hong Kong has also been urged to implement bans.
As far as I am concerned, this move is a double-edged sword. Bans could improve youth mental health and foster a positive online atmosphere, but they fail to account for the rights of young digital-age users.
Additionally, they overlook practical difficulties, as they require advanced technology and cost money. On the other hand, self-disciplined students can use social media to share educational resources, connect with like-minded friends they may not meet in person and seek mental health support.
Both perspectives offer valid insights into youth social media bans, and there is no doubt that these opinions come from people who truly care about children.
All in all, social media bans are not a perfect solution. Instead of simply restricting access, governments should combine proper legislation with guidance to help teenagers use social media in a healthy way.
Stop pushing students
Joanna Lu Tsz-ning, Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial College
As a Form Six student, I’ve watched classmates skip lunch to cram for the Diploma of Secondary Education exam. Last week, a classmate fainted during a mock exam; she had been studying for 12 hours a day for weeks.
Hong Kong treats Form Six like a “one-shot race” to university. Schools focus on grades over well-being, and parents often push their kids to sacrifice everything for success. A survey by the Education Bureau found 70 per cent of Form Six students feel severely stressed.
We need schools to offer free counselling sessions and reduce homework loads.
Parents should also prioritise rest over revision. A 30-minute daily walk or chat with family can ease stress more than an extra hour of studying.
Let’s stop treating Form Six students like machines. They deserve to learn, not just survive.
Allow cats in restaurants
Edmond Ng Yuet-wang, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College
I strongly believe that allowing cats into local dining establishments is a progressive step forward that benefits pet owners, restaurant operators and the wider community alike.
Pet ownership in Hong Kong has seen remarkable growth in recent years. According to government statistics, over 100,000 households kept cats as of 2018, a number that continues to rise rapidly.
Furthermore, organisers of the Hong Kong Cat Expo 2025 estimated the city’s annual cat economy at an impressive HK$2.4 billion. Restricting these beloved animals from public dining spaces ignores the economic potential and social reality of our city.
Opening doors to felines allows eateries to tap into this lucrative market, expand their customer base and generate vital revenue to offset Hong Kong’s notoriously high commercial rents.
Simple rules, such as requiring that cats be leashed, restricting them from dining tables and creating cat-friendly zones or operational hours, can easily ensure that non-cat owners and those with allergies dine comfortably.
By implementing thoughtful regulations, Hong Kong can foster an inclusive, compassionate and vibrant dining culture that benefits business owners and customers alike.
