Should students be allowed to date?

Kevin Kung, 15 Ying Wa College

No, students are too young to date; they don't even know what love is. Many students believe in falling in love at first sight.

Among my friends who are dating, most of them were attracted by good looks or cool appearances. They didn't know much about the other person. Would you date someone you knew little about? There are too many risks involved.

Relationships built on shaky foundations are liable to collapse any time. What happens if the person you are dating falls in love with someone else? Young people are rash and may take drastic actions that could hurt themselves or others.

Dating can also create financial burden. You have to buy a lot of gifts for your lover.

Dating takes up a lot of time as well. Once you start dating, will there be any time left for studying? Is dating worth the sacrifice? I don't think so.

Annie Tai, 16 Shung Tak Catholic English College

It can be a candlelit dinner, watching a film together or an exciting ride on a motorbike. Dating is one of the most wonderful experiences that teenagers can be involved in.

We can find out more about the opposite sex by spending time with them.

I don't know if dating would affect your studies, involve you in a horrible relationship, or even get you pregnant. You are the one who decide where you want to go in life. If you are good at managing your time, you can handle schoolwork and enjoy some romantic fun.

You will never know how rich chocolate tastes unless you take a bite. Similarly, dating is a great way to discover the character of the person you are interested in. And the dates you have during school years will stay in your memory for a long time.

It's silly to question whether dating should be allowed. After all, it can't be banned, like smoking, with signs everywhere that read: 'No dating'.