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SCMP Reporter

Book revives  fond memories
I would like to introduce the  book  Hong Kong into our collective memory. It is a photographic record  of the places we used to visit, the things we remember and what we used to do. For example, the book features the Star Ferry pier and the Kowloon Walled City.   
The book compares  old Hong Kong with  the new and tells us that some of it is already gone. I would recommend it to those aged 40 to 50 because it will take them back to their younger days.
The book is well presented and taught me a lot about Hong Kong's history. And as an example of collective memory, it has great importance for everyone.
Chow Chau-mei, SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School
Time to stop the internet pollution
I want to  share my views about  threatening messages sent through the internet.
Many spam  messages are  posted on internet forums. Some of this junk mail threatens users that if they do not send these messages to other forums, their family members will suffer.
These are senseless and selfish actions. Children who read such messages may be emotionally affected.
When people send these messages to other forums, this increases the spam problem.
It's time to stop internet pollution and think about the consequences of internet abuse.  It's a vicious  cycle.
Ho Sze-wai, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School
Gaming addiction
Video games have become a very common form of recreation for children as well as adults. However, they can become an addiction.  
In Hong Kong, many teenagers spend their time in video game parlours after school.  They go home late and their school work suffers. 
Some youngsters have even died after playing games for several days.
Every year, companies come out with more exciting games, but the fact is they can destroy lives. 
Balwinder Singh Brar, Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo)
Choose right  path to success
Some of my schoolmates are very good in their studies. But then there are those who learn nothing at all.
Some days they just stay at home.  I wonder if they get bored or not. I think we need to strike a balance between our studies and other activities. 
Some students may have already forgotten the skills they learned in school because they don't use that knowledge outside the classroom.
 If they know what kind of activity they like most, then they can continue to develop that knowledge.  This  is the time for us to gain more experience. 
Some students just stay at home,  sleeping and eating. They don't have a bright future.
I concentrate on two or three activities. It is important to have  skills, and students - with the help of their parents -  will  eventually learn whether those skills are  suitable or not.  
Law Hiu-lam, Hong Kong Chinese Women's Club College
Fired up over second-hand smoke
The government has  raised the tobacco tax to discourage smoking. However, many smokers still do not think about others. 
My school is near Prince of Wales Hospital where a new block is being built.  Many construction workers smoke  on their way to work. This is a problem because we go to school at the same time, so we pass each other almost every day.   
Second-hand smoke is  a threat to  our health. We are young and we don't want to have our future ruined by  lung disease.
Smokers have their rights, too, but they should not pose a health hazard to others.
Claudia Shek, St Rose of Lima's College



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