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No credit cards for under-18s

I am writing in response to the Face-off debate 'Should under-18s be allowed to use credit cards?' (Young Post, September 29). It is about two teenagers discussing whether under-18s should be given credit cards or not.

The writer who took the negative side said those below 18 are not mature enough to have a credit card. If they get into financial trouble at a young age, it will be harder for them to get a loan later in life.

The writer also pointed out that teenagers will one day have the chance to learn how to use a credit card. And it is not necessary to have one so early in their lives.

I agree with the writer's views. We don't need a credit card because our parents buy all the textbooks and pay for most of the other expenses, such as school fees and transport fares. They even give money to buy our lunch.

If we have a credit card, we would buy unnecessary things and get into debt. Even some adults have a tough time managing their money and end up being bankrupt. So we cannot expect teenagers to use their credit cards properly.

I don't think under-18s should have a credit card.

Alison Ng Pui-see, Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School

Bag levy alone won't solve our problems

Hong Kong introduced a 50-cent tax on plastic bags last year. Countries around the world have taken similar steps to protect the environment. Following the introduction of the levy, there has been a big drop in the distribution of plastic bags by the city's supermarkets and convenience stores.

However, some people are not willing to give up their old habits. They still ask for bags from shop counters - I think they are too lazy to change.

On the other hand, the plastic bag levy alone cannot solve our environmental problems. The rubbish in our landfills are mostly solid waste. Hence, we should throw away less furniture, computers and other equipment.

Dorothy Keung Wai-ling, TWGHs Sun Hoi Directors' College

Nepalese children offer inspiration

We should not take happiness for granted. This is what I learned from an article 'In touch with reality' (Young Post, September 20).

The story is about 56 Hong Kong students who went on a voluntary trip to Nepal.

Hong Kong is a prosperous city, and there's free education in public schools. Parents spoil their children and many of them do not realise how lucky they are.

In Nepal, things are very different. People are so poor they can't provide the basic necessities to their children. Some children even need to fetch water every day. When there's no clean water, they drink from a small stream.

Besides, they cannot go to school, because they need to take care of their litter brother or sister. They are desperate to learn, but they lack opportunities.

Many of them have to work in factories, restaurants or hotels, or even help on construction sites. Their families depend on this income.

The article inspired me to work harder. I agree that we have no excuse to be unhappy. Not only should we be happy, we should cherish what we have.

Akina Li Suet-ying, Pooi To Middle School

Life savers

The Hong Kong government has been promoting organ donation for many years. It has even simplified the registration process through the internet.

Despite these efforts, the waiting list for organ transplants continues to grow. It would be a good idea for doctors and nurses to talk with patients and their families about organ donation.

Organ donors help save lives and keep families together.

Selena Chu Wing-kei, Christian Alliance S. C. Chan Memorial College

Football fever

Football emphasises physical fitness, teamwork and tactics. It is very popular in Hong Kong but there's a lack of grounds.

Also, we have to pay a lot to see foreign teams play in the city. This is not fair for local football fans.

Richard Ng, STFA Tam Pak Yu College

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