When was the last time you cried?

Vincent Wong, 17, Wah Yan College Kowloon

I can't remember when, exactly, but it must have been when I was a kid, after being beaten or scolded by my parents due to my poor grades or bad habits (e.g. telling lies). Crying was just a reaction to feeling upset, and feelings of any kind are perfectly natural. But I believe the inability to let go of your troubles or to control your emotions is a weakness of the mind. I talk to somebody instead of crying when I have problems.

Marie Neirynck, 16, German Swiss International School

Crying is human. The last time I cried was when I argued with my mum about university applications. We disagree on many levels about this, and we always end up fighting. I hate having to argue, as talking is always a more peaceful way to sort out any problems. Crying is not a weakness - it's an expression of emotion, a perfectly normal and acceptable way of reacting to things.

Anjali Saran, 15, Wast Island School

Just today actually, at school. But it wasn't because I was upset or angry. In fact, I was laughing so hard at something a friend said tears were coming out of my eyes. Soon, we were all laughing and couldn't stop. I think crying is a good type of therapy and can usually help you calm down. If you keep all your emotions inside, you may end up sick, depressed or stressed. I don't think crying is in any way a weakness.

Rachel Haslam, 17, German Swiss International School

Last night, when I gave someone a scrapbook for her birthday, and saw her appreciation for my efforts afterwards. Everybody cries sometimes. Crying shouldn't be something to hold back, as negative emotion leaks out with the tears. Crying can be a reaction to good or bad thoughts, and anyone who cries is simply human. Crying is not a weakness - it's a relief.

Benson Chan, 17, Wah Yan College Kowloon

A month ago when I was listening to some really touching songs. It made me think of my loved ones and I broke into tears. Crying is definitely not a sign of weakness. Most of the time, we smile because we want people to think we're OK. But when something awful happens, we stop pretending to be 'fine', and pour out our emotions. Crying is the way we express our deepest and truest feelings.

Yoon Hur, 17, German Swiss International School

While reading a story online about two people in love, one of whom was battling, and finally succumbed to, Alzheimer's. It was so devastatingly realistic I couldn't stop. Crying is simply an outlet for emotion - just as we express embarrassment through blushing and amusement through laughter. Why should dealing with sadness be a weakness? Isn't letting your guard down and exposing your raw self to the world actually a sign of true strength?

Kate Allen, 16, West Island School

When my mum, who lives in England, called me to congratulate me on my GCSE results. She said I had gone way over her expectations and she was super-proud. I personally cry a lot - whether weeping over a sad movie or laughing over something hilarious with my friends. Crying is a natural thing. I would never think of it as a weakness, it's simply an expression of feelings like sadness, laughter and anger.