In a global survey conducted by the International Student Assessment, Hong Kong pupils got high rankings in mathematics, science and reading. Thanks to our education system, we frequently get top grades when compared with other students around the world.

But, on the other hand, local students lack confidence and self-esteem and seldom participate in group activities.

Both parents and schools are responsible for this situation. Parents fail to encourage children to be independent and, as a consequence, youngsters do not learn decision-making, leadership or strategy. They cannot thrive in the business world without these abilities.

In order to give students all-round skills, education reforms must be introduced. There should be a less rigid school curriculum which allows students more flexibility and gives them the opportunity to organise activities. This would provide them with first-hand experience of leadership and administration.

Outside school, parents should encourage children to make decisions.

Until changes are made, graduates with good executive skills will not be produced.

Peony Ling, Methodist College

Respect parents

Talking about respect among youngsters isn't popular nowadays.

Most of them simply think being with friends is the best thing ever.

Having friends is a good thing. But some teenagers start to think of their parents as annoying and share more of their lives with their friends instead.

It is ok to share with friends, but parents shouldn't be ignored.

They support us in both good and bad times.

Respect your parents and show them the love they have given to you!

Anterdeep Kaur, California School

My dream

We all dream. I dream most about what I will do in the future.

When I was in primary school, I dreamt about throwing myself into art and becoming a painter. When I got a bit older, I found that sculpture was more interesting.

Now, I am studying in secondary school and all my classmates are marching towards their targets. Their dreams are very specific. They want to be professionals working in successful businesses.

Professional jobs pay more money, give us greater status in society, and make our families feel proud.

When compared with them, I feel inferior. I have doubts about myself. I am not interested in those jobs at all.

What annoys me is that the job I am interested in is not well-paid. It cannot maintain a good lifestyle for me. After thorough consideration, I have thought of a solution to my misgivings. If I can go to university, I will learn how to work in a kindergarten because I love being a teacher and I like children so much.

If I am rich enough, I hope to travel the world.

Lau Wan-ting

Pets our best friends

I watched a TV programme called The Underdogs recently. The word 'underdog' refers to someone who is in a weak position and unlikely to win.

The programme featured real cases of teenagers who used to be underdogs. They were struggling, so they joined a project which offered them the chance to adopt a pet dog.

The new responsibility brought about dramatic changes in their lives and one example was particularly impressive. This boy used to hang out with gangsters all the time. He skipped lessons, was involved in street fights and took drugs. His parents encouraged him to join the scheme, and surprisingly, he became a totally different person in just two months. He found a full-time job at a furniture factory and helped his mum during weekends.

Instead of going out with gangsters, he stayed at home and looked after his little pet dog. His transformation was miraculous.

I believe that pets are our best friends and we should not underestimate their positive influence.

Karen Chung, Leung Shek Chee College

Happy families

Have you ever quarrelled with your family? We argue with our parents when they cannot accept what we do.

But they are our family members, who clearly know what we need. Surely they must understand our feelings better than most. That's why we find it hard to forgive their faults.

However, have you ever put yourself in their shoes? Quarrels are not caused by one person alone. Each of us has a responsibility to be understanding towards the other.

If there's more understanding, there will undoubtedly be fewer quarrels among families.

Sophia Chau, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College

Stop bullying

We often hear news about bullying in school. The most common problem is seniors teasing or threatening juniors.

This is a serious issue. Teachers should communicate more with junior students and help them deal with it.

They must play a more active role in monitoring the discipline of naughty students.

If there is violence, the school should contact the police.

Michelle Liu, SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School