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SCMP Reporter

Teens should learn about motherland
The mainland has gone through a lot of changes over the past  30 years.
When Mao Zedong  was ruling, people, especially young people, carried his little red book everywhere.
Teenagers today are very different.
Their idols are pop singers, movie stars or even cartoon characters. They are not very patriotic.
As Chinese, we should care about our country.
The Hong Kong government should teach young people about their motherland.
Karen Kong, Hang Seng School  of Commerce
Honesty is the  best policy
Sometimes we lie to our parents and feel bad about it.
A friend of mine once said: 'We tell lies because we care about other people's feelings.'
Maybe my friend is right. I love my mum very much, but I have been lying to her for almost a year about something.
Recently, she discovered  the truth. I was surprised she was not angry and did not  scold me.
But she said: 'You have lost my trust.'
I was relieved I did not have to lie anymore. But I was sad I had disappointed her.
Perhaps little white lies are sometimes harmless, but I think it is best to be honest.
Megan, Kiangsu-Chekiang College
Open your heart  and listen
These days, most teenagers do not listen to their parents. They seem to think their parents should listen to them and support them in anything they wish to do.
They complain their  parents tell them what to do, saying things like 'you should study now' or 'don't go out  too often'.
They do not realise their parents love and care about  them, and know what is best  for them.
I saw a movie called Freaky Friday, which made me realise whatever my mother does, she does for my sake.
I think we should talk to our parents more often so they can understand us better.
I don't think it is hard for teens to have good relationships with their parents. Let's try.
Denise Tam, PLK Vicwood K.T. Chong Sixth Form College
Smoking is a habit hard to kick
Smoking is a hard habit to break because tobacco contains nicotine, which is very addictive.
People start smoking for many different reasons.
Some think it looks cool. Others start because their friends smoke.
But once you are addicted, it is very hard to stop. It's so  much easier to not start smoking at all.
Research says nine out of  10 smokers start before they are 18 years old. They do not expect to become addicted.
When quitting, remember the first few days are the hardest. So don't give up.
Staying smoke-free will give you a whole lot more of everything - more energy, more money in your pocket, and more life to live.
Zunaira Malik, California School
Be more considerate
In Hong Kong, many things are provided to the public free of charge.
For example, we can borrow books or CDs from the library. I often do.
However, I find some books are torn or written in.
Some CDs are in a very bad state too.
I really wish people would be more considerate of others.
We should be more grateful, and look after our public resources better.
Leung Yuen-shan, STFA Tam Pak Yu College
Mobile phones users must be disciplined
I am writing to express my concern over the use of mobile phones at school.
Many students use them to type text messages or play games during lessons.
Some bring mobile phones to show off instead of using them.
Something needs to be done. But I do not think banning mobile phones from schools is a good idea.
They are a necessity, and students would be very upset by a ban.
I think self-discipline is the only answer.
Parents should share some responsibility too.
They should teach their children that mobile phones are not a status symbol.
In addition, school rules should clearly state that students are not allowed  to use mobiles phone during class.
Those who do not obey should be punished.
Eleanor Sun, Hang Seng School of Commerce
More organ donors are needed
It is a great pity people are not aware of the critical shortage  of organ donors.
Many Chinese people prefer bodies to remain intact after death.
There is still a widespread lack of understanding of the importance of organ donation.
The government should do more to educate people and raise awareness of organ donation.
But this takes time. The only effective solution to the acute organ shortage is the 'presumed consent' method, which would greatly increase donation rates.
Many deaths occur under circumstances that make organ donation impossible.
For instance, if a person  dies outside of hospital  then their organs cannot be obtained immediately after death.
But the shortage of  donors remains the biggest problem.
I believe the 'presumed consent' approach is the best solution.
Keefe Liu, St Joseph's College



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