From kindergarten age, Hong Kong’s children are tutored to be winners
Latest study shows that up to 45 per cent of parents have already loaded up their young children with extra study and classes while time to play and develop freely remains a major concern
Many Hong Kong children are raised to be winners from day one, according to the latest study from Chinese University.
According to the study, published August 8, one in three Hong Kong adults believe children should be trained to “win at the starting line” from early childhood.
Of those parents, some 54 per cent believed it was important to discover and develop children’s interests as early as possible. Another 24 per cent believed that the younger the child, the better they learn and absorb knowledge. One in six said it was important not to let children fall behind their peers.
The findings were despite an overwhelming majority, 77 per cent of respondents, agreeing that the appropriate way to nurture children was by providing space and freedom.
The study, conducted by the university’s institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, polled 751 people aged 18 or above during late June on their views about the mentality of “winning at the starting line”.
In Hong Kong, the mentality has become so integrated in local parents’ minds that it is commonplace to load children up with training courses or tutorial classes from a very young age in order for them to achieve good grades.