Have Your Say

Precaution better than cure

Running the marathon is becoming increasingly popular.

But many people take part for the challenge and enjoyment, rather than taking the event seriously. They don't train enough and so run the risk of being injured.

Doctors recommend that runners over the age of 45 have a compulsory fitness test.

This is a good idea as it will prevent unfit people from taking part in the marathon.

It will also encourage people to train more before the event.

A fitness test may reveal if a runner has any weakness which may come out in the race. An athlete will be forewarned and will know to drop out of the race if necessary.

Another source of injury is footwear. Runners should be better prepared and have suitable shoes.

I think runners should take the event more seriously: train properly, go for a check-up and wear the right clothes.

This will make the event safer for everyone.

Ken Mok Kwan-ho

Methodist College

Mothers don't have to stay home

A recent survey has found that children of working mothers are at higher risk of committing crimes and having behavioural problems than those from low-income families.

As a result, a local political party has suggested mothers should not take up full-time work. They can then stay home to take care of their children.

This is not a practical solution for three main reasons.

Firstly, mothers are no longer solely responsible for their children. Nowadays, many fathers stay home while the mother works.

If children have behavioural problems, parents are responsible. But we need to get beyond the stereotype that mothers are the only ones with a role to play in caring for children.

Secondly, even if mothers accept the above suggestion that they quit their jobs and stay at home, it doesn't mean that they will do a good job of taking care of their children.

Mothers will have more opportunities to communicate with their children, but if they do not communicate well, little will be achieved.

Thirdly, I think children's behavioural problems can be caused outside of the home. So even if mothers stay home, their children may still behave badly.

I think finding the right method of parenting is most important.

Parents should communicate effectively with their children. They can share their life experiences and treat their children as their friends.

This may make children more eager and open-minded. They may behave better when they sense their parents respect and care for them.

This is a better solution to the problem of bad behaviour in children.

Maggie Lau

Kit Sam Lam Bing Yim Secondary School

Mad about bags

I'm writing in response to the letter 'Design a reusable shopping bag to save the Earth' (Young Post, July 22).

The problem of waste is serious in Hong Kong, especially plastic bags.

If they are burnt, they release noxious substances, and we are running out of space for landfills.

We should think of ways to solve the problem. Reusable shopping bags should help.

Perhaps we should find a sponsor to organise a bag design competition.

Then people could have a reusable bag and the design could promote an environmental message to other people.

Stella Hun

TWGHs Lui Yun Choy Memorial College

Never enough time for everything

There is so much pressure at school that we are struggling to cope.

Studying for exams is the most important thing for a student, but there are so many activities that take up our time.

I am a committee member in a school club and my school has asked us to hold more functions to enrich our schoolmates' knowledge and give them the chance to better use their leisure time.

But then my teachers tell us we have to focus on our studies.

I know study is necessary but I am struggling to strike a balance.

There are not enough hours in the day for everything. Many people say that there is enough time, you just have to use it properly. But I still find difficult.

Regina

Thank you, teachers

I have learned a lot from my teachers. I have learned facts about the world, but I have also learned worldly wisdom.

For example, teachers tell us how to behave in different social situations.

I have also learned what famous people think and the role they play in history.

I am very grateful to my teachers.

Although the children in my class are naughty, noisy and do not pay attention, our teachers still take care of us. They never give up. Thank you to all my teachers!

Yankee Liu Wing-yan

Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School