Both parents and teachers have a responsibility to guide children to do the right things. But they should not be too harsh when children make mistakes.

For example, a student in Taiwan laughed at a teacher. As punishment, the student was asked to laugh continuously for an hour. This is far from funny - the teacher was cruel.

I believe adults should try to understand the difficulties of the children. A soft approach can work wonders on disobedient children.

Janet Ching Hoi-man, Pooi To Middle School

Benefits of playing video games

Many parents fear that buying a video game console for their children will affect their schoolwork.

According to a recent study, the average reading and writing scores of young gamers do not go down - but they don't improve either.

For children who do not play games, scores go up over time.

I believe playing video games will not directly affect children's studies.

When parents buy their children video games, they should draw up a study timetable for their children and make sure they stick to it. There should be a balance between study and play.

Playing video games can help students relax. It also stimulates their thinking and helps them develop analytical skills.

Playing computer games in moderation can be advantageous.

Leung Chi-fung, Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Tuen Mun)

Need to know more about HKDSE

There is a big debate whether the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) is better than the old system.

The first batch of students under the new HKDSE system will take the exam in 2012.

Some say the HKDSE will help students develop their skills, but others disagree.

I think the public, including students, do not know much about the new senior secondary curriculum, which was introduced last September. The government could organise more talks about the HKDSE system in schools.

In 2012, both A-level and HKDSE graduates will be competing for university places. Unless universities increase the number of places, many students will not be able to continue their studies.

In addition, it has not yet been confirmed if HKDSE qualifications will be accepted internationally. It could affect the opportunities of Hong Kong students studying abroad.

The government needs to do a lot more to assure the public about an exam which students' future depends on.

Cynthia Law Ching-man, Hong Kong Chinese Women's Club College

Voters rejected 'referendum'

The so-called referendum triggered by the resignation of five pro-democracy legislators was a failure. Only about 579,000 of the 3.37 million eligible voters turned out for the by-elections last month.

I watched RTHK's City Forum and saw how the pan-democrats interpreted the election results. Legislator Albert Chan Wai-yip complained that Beijing and the Hong Kong government did not support the election.

What's more, the pan-democrats seem to be happy with the results.

I am against the referendum. It's not that I don't support democracy, but I question the meaning of the election.

To me, the election was simply a show staged by the 'five heroes'. And I believe those who did not vote agree with me.

I really hope our legislative councillors can be more mature, and spend their time and energy on important issues.

We must understand that we won't make any contribution to democracy just by shouting or throwing things at our rivals.

Taylor Chan