However, children's lives are not all fun. They can't always do what they want, are told what to do without being given reasons, and can be punished when they don't even know they have done wrong.

Adults, by contrast, are independent. They don't have to rely on their parents and can earn money for themselves. The greatest thing that they have is freedom.

Yet, when adults have difficulties or pressures at work, they have to overcome them all by themselves. They must be responsible and can't afford to mistakes in their work, as students often do in school.

It seems to me that there are two sides to this coin, but that the important thing is the attitude you take towards life.

Ng Sam-yuk, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College

Helping others is helping yourself

There are a lot of poor people in the world. They need help because they can't satisfy their basic human needs. Even in a modern city like Hong Kong, there are people living under the poverty line. They need our help because the world should be a fairer place.

If you were born in a rich family, you should count your blessings and thank God for giving you a beautiful life. You should also know there is a responsibility that comes with good fortunes, you need to do your bit to help the unfortunate and make the world a better place.

I think Denise Ho set a good example when she went to Cambodia to meet the poor children. All they want is enough to survive and a chance to go to school.

We should help by donating money or by adopting a child from overseas.

We will all have a happier life if we try to help.

Denise Kwok, Methodist College

Learning from 'Survivor'

The TV programme Survivor is now in its 15th season. In this series, the team will go to China for the first time.

The competitors are divided into two tribes, and they compete to be the last remaining survivor in the game. They face a number of endurance, problem-solving and teamwork challenges that are designed to fit in with the theme.

I have learned a lot from Survivor: how to build team spirit, how to co-operate, how to use communicate, how share burdens, how to be fair, and how to create a good atmosphere.

I have also discovered some weaknesses. Some competitors have such a strong desire to win that they try to exploit others in the group and cause relationships to break down.

The purpose of the competition is to test the character of the contestants and to reveal their potential. I hope they participants think seriously before they join.

Fung King-yee, Our Lady of The Rosary College

A culture of clones

I read a poem recently called Little Boxes, which satirises human conformity.

Most people conform to the majority so much that there's no longer any individuality in society.

Everyone follows the same routine and people do not create their own way of living.

If this situation continues, humans will be like clones. There won't be any new ideas.

We should develop our own style of living. After all, every individual is unique.

Kitty Mo

It helps to talk People keep their problems and worries hidden. Unfortunately, it is an attitude that can lead to the suicidal cases that we see in the news all too often. To stop these cases from afflicting families, we should try to talk to our family or friends. If we are too embarrassed to do so, there are a number of hotlines we can call that are specifically designed to help people solve problems and find solutions. It's very important not to be angry with family members. More can be achieved by talking with respect.

If every family tries to follow this advice, the world will be a more harmonious place.

Muffin Chik

It's a wonderful life

We face a lot of peaks and troughs in the modern world but, once we have tackled them, we discover that there is also a great deal of joy.

Instead of dwelling on the dark thoughts, it is better to think about the bright aspects of our lives. It can give us the courage to continue.

Life is wonderful and fantastic - it is a fact! We should all treasure what we have.

Angel Hau, QualiEd College

Have courage in adversity

My teacher introduced me to a video clip called Nick Vujicic's Testimony. The video showed a man who was born without any limbs. He was very angry and upset about his body when he was a child but now he is a preacher. The idea that I liked most in the clip is that 'we should not compare suffering'.

We all know that nothing is perfect. Even if we have all our limbs, we face problems. People envy others and think that they are the unlucky but suffering cannot be compared.

Children in Africa are the happiest in the world, despite their poverty.

In comparison, conditions in Hong Kong are not bad, but some children suffer because of stress from parents and society. We must cherish what we have and be brave when we face adversity.

Tam Hei-man, STFA Tam Pak Yu College