Elaine Yu Yee-nee, 15, Creative Secondary School
Many Hong Kong students are already overwhelmed with too much homework and tests. It's hard to see how they could squeeze in enough time for a part-time job, too.
After graduation, most students will have no choice but to work hard for a living. While we are still in school, we should have the chance to enjoy some quality time. We should devote our time to doing our best in our studies and relaxing.
Whether we study for an IB diploma or under the New Senior Secondary (NSS) curriculum, we are required to do lots of research and homework. School work, not part-time jobs, should be our first priority.
Recently, one of my friends told me that what she feels like doing most after classes is taking a nap because she feels so drained. That should tell you that we are already overworked at school as it is. Parents may also have concerns about their children's part-time jobs. They worry their children may get hurt, be abused or cheated, or even lured into some kind of criminal activity. They might well prefer to know excactly where their children are after school.
I don't deny that part-time jobs can help young people gain valuable work experience. But if they wish to do so, they should do it during their summer holiday, not after classes. It's hard enough to do well in your studies without having to work hard to prove yourself in a part-time job as well.
Ronald Ling Pak-ki, 20, University of Hong Kong