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Phoenix Lee

Wong Hei

Nicolas Wong Hei, 17

Sing Yin Secondary School

Secondary students should not be allowed to date.  This is about girlfriends and boyfriends, not just friends of the opposite sex.

There should be a close bond between two lovers and it takes time to build up such a relationship.  How can students set aside time for dating when they have so much homework and revision to do?

Students should  concentrate on their studies and prepare for exams - dating brings about unnecessary distractions.

Some people claim that dating can help students learn more about the opposite sex as they prepare to enter university.

I agree, but having a lover is not the only way to do it.  They also say lovers  can even study together for an exam.

I believe this is wishful thinking and dating does more harm than good to teenagers.

Some students may even try to earn money illegally to buy things for their partners.

Dating could also lead to underage sex, which is a criminal offence in Hong Kong.

Having a lover will only put more pressure on secondary school students, especially before a public exam. This could lead to serious consequences and even ruin their future.

I  hope all boys follow my advice: Don't date, do your best in your studies and try to make more friends with girls.

Phoenix Lee Ching-kwan, 18

Tin Ka Ping Secondary School

Yes. Love is a human emotion that cannot be suppressed, not even in school.  Putting restrictions on dating would  probably lead to more resistance and would put a strain on the relationship between schools and students.

Love is a basic right for everyone; it should never be bound by age.

Anybody who has been in love will realise that there's no way to escape it. That feeling comes from deep within our hearts.  So why do we have to deny  that we are in love just because we are students?

Romance involving students is not a bad thing at all. Some people  say that dating among teenagers could lead to depression because many love affairs  end up in tears.

There is both sorrow and joy in a relationship. Instead of being an obstacle, a healthy romance can actually  enrich our  life. It can provide inspiration  when we suffer setbacks.

It's true that dating in school could  create an unhealthy trend among students. But this problem  cannot be solved  by banning dating.

On the contrary, suppression could result in ill feelings among students. It's important that teachers show understanding and support for their students.  After gaining the students' trust, it will be much easier for teachers  to explore  teenage minds and help them  develop a correct attitude towards love.

Puppy love is  one of the most precious memories we will have as  we grow older. I think dating among teenagers should be allowed.



Should secondary students be allowed to date?