Yet many people trust the beauty industry, although they can see that, even after long use, many products do not have the desired effects. In fact, some products are harmful to people's health.

There is a saying: 'Beauty is only skin deep.' We should not care what other people think of our appearance. We should not waste our money on useless cosmetics.

Susan So, YWCA Hioe Tjo Yoeng College

Let's not forget people who suffer

I am writing in response to the star letter 'Don't just help one - help them all' (Young Post, January 19). The writer, Kun Ronhe, faulted the government for focusing on the case of Jason Leung, but not doing enough to help other people in similar situations.

I agree. I still remember the day when a rogue Filipino policeman took a busload of Hong Kong tourists hostage in Manila. I watched the event unfold live on television. I was shocked to see eight tourists die and several others like Jason get severely injured.

The government deserves credit for helping Jason through his ordeal. But how about the others? I remember hearing about a family in which the husband's death left his widow and their two little girls helpless. There is also the case of a little brother and sister who lost their parents and aunt. People in such situations also deserve help.

Even as we celebrate Jason's recovery, we must not forget about many others who are still suffering from similarly tragic circumstances.

Emily Choy, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School

Abusive teachers should learn

In Hong Kong, we have a lot of primary schools where teachers treat their students too harshly. They tell their students things like, 'You're completely useless' and 'Are you stupid?'

It appears that some teachers think children have no pride or emotions.

In other cases, students are left standing in a corner, completely ignored by the class.

When they are confronted by parents, many teachers tell a different story and deny abusing the children.

I believe teachers who behave like this need to go back to school and study once again. They need to learn how to discipline students in an appropriate manner.

Sonam Chophel Wangchuk, California International School

Ban smoking in building entrances

I support calls in Hong Kong for the ban on smoking to be extended to the entrance of buildings.

It is unfair for non-smokers to have to inhale toxic smoke when they walk through the entrances of buildings. Most non-smokers, like me, would run quickly to avoid breathing second-hand smoke.

Sometimes, however, we have no choice but to inhale the smoke when entrances are crowded, especially during lunch hour.

Undoubtedly, smokers have a right to 'enjoy' smoking, but they shouldn't put other people at risk.

Similarly, it causes non-smokers a great deal of discomfort when a smoker lights up right in front of them on the street. You are then forced to breathe in toxic smoke. I suggest the government should consider prohibiting smoking in all public areas, especially places with poor ventilation.

Chris Ho Ka-kui

We need to be tough

I agree with Naomik Au Heung-yi's letter 'Up and downs are the way forward' (Young Post, January 18). We teenagers often give up too easily. We should learn from our mistakes and try harder.

Often parents spoil their children so much that they don't learn the harsh realities of life. When they end up facing difficulties, they lose hope and give up.

Parents should teach their children to be strong and optimistic.

Dorothy Hon Wing-hin, Tak Nga Secondary School