letters
Give autistic people the right care
A rising number of children are being diagnosed as autistic in Hong Kong. It is important that they receive proper care.
The government should devote more resources to this issue, so that children with the disorder can get the help they need to lead normal lives. Government-subsidised organisations that teach autistic children to express themselves mainly use a system called TEACCH. However, this may not be the best treatment. According to some experts, a programme called ABA, or applied behaviour analysis, costs more, but is better for patients. Although ABA is costly, the government should try it.
There is no known cure for autism, but we can do our best to help sufferers. Autistic people can live happily and healthily with the right support.
Ariel Tang Hiu-tung, SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School
Haste makes waste in a selfish city
Recently, I did the craziest thing I have done in my life. I conducted a survey in a busy street.
It is extremely embarrassing when you conduct a survey in such a busy city. Everyone is in a rush. It is so difficult to find someone to wander slowly along the street with you in a society where speed and efficiency are constantly emphasised. Most people rejected my request even when they knew the questionnaire was only for educational purposes. I felt discouraged, both by my poor performance in questioning and by the reflection I was given of society. It seems Hongkongers are not very willing to help one another. People only care about their precious time.
Doing the questionnaire reminded me of how my family usually hangs up the phone when someone doing research is on the line. What we must remember is that such research allows us to express our opinions to the government and businesses and so brings improvements to our society. I think Hong Kong people are selfish and this has a negative impact on our society's development.
Sin Hon-kuen, Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial College
The downside of online games
Recently, I read an article entitled 'Games affect schoolwork'.
Playing online games is incredibly popular among youngsters. They claim it helps them relax and boosts their confidence. This can explain why teenagers are addicted to these games. This addiction can affect a student's school work.
According to a study, around 80 per cent of students play online games every day. Sometimes, they might even play until midnight. This eats into students' time that should be set aside for relaxation, meaning they are tired the next day and cannot pay attention during their lessons.
Moreover, many online games promote violent messages or other inappropriate behaviour. This may encourage teenagers to commit criminal acts. Students need to control their love for online games.
Darren Fung, Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Tuen Mun)
Treat migrant workers fairly
I am writing this letter to draw your attention to the problems faced by migrant workers on the mainland. They face many difficulties in their daily lives. They have to work long hours and their living standards are low.
They are treated as second-class citizens, when compared to the city's 'permanent residents'. For example, migrant workers are deprived of proper medical facilities. Most have to pay for the treatment. But they don't have the money, because they are poorly paid.
Migrant workers also face a lot of discrimination in the field of education. Their children cannot go to government schools in the city.
It is important that these schools lower their fees so that every child enjoys the right to receive a good education. Many children of migrant workers attend schools where the educational standards are low.
Millions of mainland workers are migrating from villages to urban areas in search of a better life. If the central government does not help them, the country's social problems will become more serious.
I hope the authorities will take immediate action to solve this problem.
Hongkongers can also donate money so that immigrant workers can have a decent life.
Florence Yiu, St Rose of Lima's College