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SCMP Reporter

Make 999 a service that saves lives
A new 999 procedure has been introduced to the public because too many people call the number when it's not an emergency. 
The aim of the new procedure is to prioritise real emergency calls. This is a good thing, but I think it could be better implemented.
First, the questions and the order they are asked need to be considered. Information such as name, telephone number and address should be left until last. It is a waste of time to ask the caller's name and telephone numbers first. 
For a caller suffering  a heart attack, stroke  or in some other critical situation, asking for such information could cause distress and delays.
Second, we need  better-trained personnel  as soon as possible.
Third, to prepare for the new system, more  ambulances should be bought to meet the increasing demand.  
Public education is also very important.  We should think twice before calling 999 about whether we need to.  
Kristy Chow Ching-yee, Leung Shek Chee College
Let's make the most of opportunities
In Chinese society,  most parents are  willing to do whatever it takes for  their children to  get good results  and have a bright future. 
We are  under more pressure than our Western peers, and it's easy to  be jealous of them. In the West, parents tend to give children more freedom. 
But, rather than feel envious,  we should realise  children in the West have their own pressures too.  Let's cherish the opportunity  our parents have given us and study hard.  
Brian Ho
Dealing with internet addiction
The internet has become a big part of our lives. We use it to watch movies, send messages and search for information.  But some teenagers become addicted. 
Internet addiction is  becoming a serious social issue. It can cause faintness or dizziness, and  addicts find it hard to  focus.
Self-discipline is the best way to avoid internet addiction.  Users should set themselves a time limit to avoid over-using the internet. They could  develop other interests, such as playing sports or reading, which are healthier and more  rewarding.
Family support and education are also important in beating internet addiction. Parents should keep an eye on their children, and if they show any signs of internet addiction, they should immediately talk to them or check what's  on  their computers. Schools could give talks to students about the dangers of internet addiction.
The internet is a big part of our lives but it is not everything.
Naomi Ng, St Paul's School (Lam Tin)
Try not to be too critical of others
A classmate of mine is always criticising other students.  I wonder why he does this. People  may think they have the right to criticise others. In terms of human rights, they do, but they should ask themselves whether it is really 'right'.
 In a competitive, exam-oriented educational system, rather than criticising everybody for not doing as well as they possibly  could, we should be supportive of each other.
There is no need to be constantly criticising.
Miffy Yeung, Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Kwai Chung)



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