LettersTo teach Hong Kong kids positive values, offer positive role models as parents and teachers

Educators are constantly reminded to instil positive values in students, but this will not be effective without role models provided by teachers and parents

Hong Kong needs its youth so the city can thrive, so let us work together to nurture our youngsters with positive values to build a better Hong Kong

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If we want our children to be loving and caring individuals, share with them stories about love and hope. If we want them to be respectful and sensible leaders in the future, tell them to follow the laws and respect everyone. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 6:00am, 23 Jul 2021Updated: 6:00am, 23 Jul 2021

It is common practice that children as young as preschoolers are taught to be good and considerate. Children’s story books tell young readers that villains who hurt or harm the innocent will have to bear consequences.

At school, students learn to treat others as they want to be treated. “Do not hit other people” is one of the lessons from Robert Fulghum’s All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

But many moral principles have been challenged by brutality and hatred since the outbreak of social unrest in Hong Kong. Some online media and professionals have glorified unlawful acts. Public figures who break the law may paint themselves as the victim or even flee Hong Kong.

Sadly, some secondary and university students end up following the bad examples and begin to believe they have to use violence to defend their ideology. Several youngsters aged 15 to 18 were recently arrested over their alleged role in a reported bomb plot.

Children must be taught that offenders have to pay the price no matter how grand their ideology. It is unbelievable that a law professor defended those who paid tribute to a police attacker. Sadly, representatives of the University of Hong Kong Students’ Union Council passed a motion that said they “appreciated the sacrifice” of the attacker, though it was later withdrawn.

The Education Bureau has stated clearly the significance of values education that helps students cultivate their virtues and proper judgment.