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SCMP Reporter

Earth is our home - take care of it

The universe is fascinating. There are so many stars and  planets.

I  am especially interested in Mars. We may be able to live on Mars  in the future,  so I want to  find out more about it.

The universe is mysterious and huge. There are many places for us to explore.

But we cannot rely on finding a second planet to call home. We need to work hard to protect the home we already have.

We must all do everything we can to save the Earth.

Chiang Man-hin  Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen  Yiu Memorial College

Elderly visit a rewarding experience

I recently did community service for the first time. I visited  a centre for the elderly.

Some of the residents  are not very healthy and cannot go downstairs to walk  outside. They  have to stay at the centre all the time.

I am  very shy and didn't say much during the visit, but they were excited to talk to someone new.

It was like talking to my friends.  They told me about their experiences. I learned a lot.

Some of  them have children who visit them once or twice a week, but  this doesn't stop them from being bored.

I have realised that  doing community service is very meaningful.

I  hope that when I grow old,  somebody will come and spend time with me.

Cheng Wai-tung

Taiwan council fight a shocking sight

I was  watching the news on television recently and saw  a report about a Taiwanese council meeting.

The councillors got into a physical fight.  The meetings are meant to be formal, like Hong Kong's Legislative Council meetings.

What would you think if you knew that the legislators here  attacked each other?

I think it is terrible. The councillors are educated people. They should have self-control.

When debating an issue, it is never acceptable to use physical force to express your views.

I really hope that the Taiwanese councillors   think about their  behaviour.

Their performance gives the impression that Taiwanese people are barbarians.

It is good to know that such things don't happen in Hong Kong's legislative council.

Although one of our legislators, 'Long Hair' Leung Kwok-hung,  may have use unusual tactics during meetings,  our council members maintain a peaceful atmosphere. This proves that Hong Kong people are civilised.

Christopher Lau

Hard work brought no due reward

I am good at science. Last year, I did no revision before the science exam but I still got 80-something per cent.

This year, I worked hard at my revision but I only got 60-something per cent.

I feel very sad about this. I put a lot of effort in  but I only got a small reward. I don't know why.

Hau Yip-chung

Bring back those educational cartoons

Most cartoons today are  created too quickly so they are rough and slipshod.

They are also of less educational value than cartoons in the past.

They teach children nothing and only make silly jokes. And the plot is usually monotonous and puts children to sleep. They are dull and vapid.

Maybe the animation companies underrate children's intelligence.

Parents often  complain that the heroine's skirt is too short, or that there is a kiss scene.

Many great cartoons are not screened because of this.

Funny cartoons in the past taught children the right values in life.

They taught us about family, friendship and philosophy. These kinds of cartoons help children to grow up.

I hope that animation companies bring back the old-style cartoons, which stimulate the viewer's minds and hearts as well as look attractive.

Lau Yee-mei

Christian Alliance S.C. Chan  Memorial College

Report all cases of bullying

Have you ever been the victim of bullying? If so, how did it make you feel?

Most people would feel upset and lose their confidence.

But, if you haven't ever encountered bullying, you probably don't realise how destructive it is.

Many students join in with the bullying because they think it is fun.

And even if they don't join in, they wouldn't tell the teachers.

They worry if they report the situation, they will  be victimised next, and they may lose their friends.

But, if you don't want to become the next victim, you should report the bullying so that teachers can put a stop to it.

No one should allow a handful of black sheep to hurt your classmates.

Natalie Yu

Cheng Yu Tung  Secondary School

The right way to punish children

Parents must find it difficult  to find a balance between discipline and freedom when dealing with their children.

Being too strict will  make youngsters push the limits, which will result in quarrels.

But giving them too much freedom may make them lose respect for rules and boundaries.

They may claim that their  parents don't love or care for them enough.

So, what should parents do?

Physical punishment is a useful way to teach children as they know what can be done and what is wrong.

But this solution is only effective on young children. Adolescents will  get angry easily and clashes  may result.

Although I agree with appropriate physical punishment, parents should know how to control their emotions and don't beat children too harshly.

Giving love and care to children is the most essential thing.

I understand that parents have plenty of work to do, and that they may have little  time to take care of their children.

But, they should spend at least a little time talking with their family.

All families disagree sometimes - the important thing is to try to find an effective solution to solve the problem.

If you don't try to understand them, it may cause tension.

If you give them a generous response, they will be willing to share their problems.

Parents should  chat casually with their children.

Wun Tsz-yeung

Use your lai see to help others

Many students received a lot of lai see during the Lunar New Year period.

Some of them may use the money to buy clothes, bags or shoes.

Perhaps some will deposit the money in the bank as savings.

In my opinion, it would be meaningful if the youngsters donated the money to the poor.

This would bring a little brightness to the lives of the less fortunate.

It would also make students feel happy, as they know they have helped someone else.

I hope that youngsters use their red packet money in an appropriate and meaningful way.

Lo Wai-man



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