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SCMP Reporter

Don't put a price on safety
I believe that a date should be between two people who know each other a little and want to find out more about each other's hobbies, family background, character, opinions on different matters and so on. 
So I can't understand why anyone would go on a compensated date with a complete stranger. 
There have been many stories about young girls who go on compensated dates and end up getting hurt. Even after the tragic case of Kiki Wong Ka-mui, it seems many people are still risking their safety just to earn money. 
I don't understand why people are so willing to do something that puts them in danger. 
Some teenagers wrongly believe compensated dating has been accepted by society. I totally disagree. 
Dating should not be a solution to money troubles. It shouldn't be a way to put yourself in danger. There are other, safer, more morally acceptable ways to make money and meet people. 
Jennifer Tang Sze-hoi,  St Mark's School
Magazines don't benefit society
If you look at almost any magazine in a convenience store, you will see they are all about celebrities. Many magazines feature photos of stars in very revealing clothes and posing in an improper way. The stories are often about their relationships or embarrassing episodes. 
Humans are curious. These magazines sell well because we want to know about celebrities' lives, even if the stories aren't completely true. The journalists who work for these magazines sometimes exaggerate details, so the story is more exciting than the truth. 
These kinds of publications don't do anybody any good. It makes the stars look bad. It makes young people believe they can become famous just by copying their favourite celebrities' behaviour, however bad it is. It makes people value fame and fortune over everything.
Next time you want to buy one of these magazines, first ask yourself how it contributes to society. If you can't come up with a positive answer, I suggest you put the magazine down.
Jennifer Kung, Po Leung Kuk  No. 1 W.H. Cheung College
Protect users from inappropriate sites
The internet can be a wonderful tool for learning, research and entertainment. But it can also encourage criminal activity. 
Almost everyone can access the internet, and build a website. This means everyone can have access to dangerous information. 
If someone publishes material on a website with details on how to do something illegal, there will be vulnerable users who read it and follow the instructions.
As the internet is such a popular tool, I think more should be done to combat such offensive websites.
Godfrey Lee Kin-ho,  Wah Yan College
Proof that hard work pays off
Although I'm in Form One, I had never taken part in a Speech Festival. But this year was different.
I am not very good at Putonghua.  But amazingly, my Putonghua teacher signed me up to take part in the Speech Recital without even asking me. I tried to protest, but she wouldn't hear of it. I had no choice but to accept.
So I worked really hard. I wrote out Putonghua pronunciations and memorised them.
I also practised over and over with my teacher and by myself until the big day came.
On the day, I was quite nervous. I know I did my best, but I thought it wasn't good enough. 
I was hoping to get fourth place, but was stunned to find I'd come second. Even my teacher was surprised.
It goes to show hard work does pay off. 
Gabriella Bloom, The Chinese Foundation Secondary School



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