The government is responsible for monitoring food imports to Hong Kong.

As consumers, we ought to pay attention to the latest information about food safety. If we don't care about our health, who will?

Winnie So

Leung Shek Chee College

Stress relief is vital to solving problems

I'm writing in response to the Bright Spark column titled 'Ways to beat stress' (Young Post, January 29).

I think listening to music is really good for beating stress.

It lets you forget about your worries. If you can stop thinking about the stressful parts of your life, you can relax and solve your problems easily.

I also agree that playing sport can be helpful. Sports can turn stress into energy, and running around generates chemicals that make us feel good.

Although laughing out loud is a good way to ease stress, it can be hard to find things to laugh about.

What's more, if you have a hearty laugh in your house, your parents may think that you are crazy. I think schools should set aside a room for students to laugh and shout.

Sandy Liu

Pooi To Middle School

Colourful personality

Your favourite colour can reflect your personality.

If you like red, you are optimistic and enthusiastic. Such people are open-minded and meet lots of new friends.

Orange lovers are brave and strong. They never give up when they face difficulties.

Those who like pure white are quiet and gentle, while both green and brown fans enjoy peaceful lives and love nature. These two groups hate noisy and crowded places.

Black fans prefer to share their secrets with their closest friends and enjoy thinking deeply about any subject.

Sherry Lam Tsz-shun

New Method College

Japanese drama shows life is precious

I want to write about a controversial Japanese drama, which revolves around a 14-year-old junior high school student who becomes pregnant.

The parents are very angry with their daughter. To make matters worse, her boyfriend leaves her after learning about the pregnancy.

The girl's classmates, including her best friend, treat her as a sinner and look down on her.

Although the girl feels helpless and confused, she believes life is precious and no one has the right to destroy it.

She ignores opposition from people and eventually gives birth.

The story teaches teenagers a very valuable lesson. The only way we can protect ourselves from temptation is to look before we leap.

Reality may not be as beautiful as we think.

Besides, we should never give in too easily despite the obstacles.

Life is not a bed of roses; it's full of ups and downs and we should not try to evade problems.

We have to equip ourselves for the future, seize every opportunity as well as create happiness.

That's the essence of life.

Cheung Chau-yee

Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Kwai Chung)

A wise move

Nowadays many teenagers use the computer to communicate with others.

But this reduces face-to-face interaction and can harm their development.

They may withdraw from society and surf the internet the whole day.

Computers are not all bad. They can help enhance our knowledge and keep us up to date with what's happening around the world.

So let's use computers wisely from today.

Siu Tsz-fung

Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College

Equality for all

In the past, people believed that homosexuality is a mental illness.

The transsexuals' situation was worse. They were regarded as monsters by the public.

Thankfully, those days are long gone and all people, irrespective of their sexual orientation, are generally accepted by society. But discrimination still exists.

I believe both transsexuals and homosexuals have a right to express their love.

I am more comfortable with gay men and feel that we can be friends.

I feel sorry for lesbians. They are also facing a difficult situation.

Many Hongkongers have a low opinion of transsexuals, who even stage shows in Bangkok.

Unlike in Thailand, sex-change operations are not accepted in Hong Kong.

The city has laws banning discrimination based on age, gender and race.

I think there should be similar laws to protect people with different sexual orientations.

Reshley Ng Yuk-yee

King Ling College

Home sweet home

Home means a lot to me. As the saying goes, 'Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home'.

I appreciate the warmth of my home, and think it is one of the brightest spots on Earth. It is a place where I can take refuge whenever I face any difficulty, failure or frustration in my daily life.

My parents will comfort me and cheer me up. And with their encouragement, I will regain my confidence and muster up all my strength to face the stern realities of life.

To me, home is a place where I can always find love, understanding and care.

Mak Hok-kan

Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School

Find a good friend

The first step towards choosing a good friend is to assess her personality.

She must be sociable, loyal and optimistic. I am sure you don't want a friend who is dull, rebellious and pessimistic.

The second step is to get to know her hobbies. Do you two have similar interests?

Finally, you must talk to her and see if she is tactful and easygoing. She must also be willing to help you during difficult times and share the good times together.

If you follow these steps, you will be able to find a good friend.

Kung Sin-kei

Methodist College

Enjoy reading

Why do you read? Some teenagers read because they are told to do so.

Then there are those who pick up a book because they want to write a review about it.

As for me, reading is a way to broaden my horizons.

A lot of authors write about their daily experiences. When we read their books, we get a better idea about the world and what is happening thousands of kilometres away from home.

We can learn from their wisdom and lead a more successful life.

It is sad that so many people treat reading as a job and don't really enjoy it. Remember, when we open a book, we are looking at a new world.

Chan Chun-sing