The national security law continues to expedite education reforms in Hong Kong, in tandem with an exodus of students and teachers. More analyses are needed to ascertain whether there is a link. Suffice to say that the overhaul has created mounting pressure on educators, parents and children. The authorities must be more mindful of the impact when pushing ahead with the changes. The latest revamp saw the eight-page “Moral and Civic Education Curriculum” of 2008 replaced by a 89-page “Values Education Curriculum Framework”, with the addition of three new civic values – namely law-abidingness, empathy and diligence. Other values that schools are required to promote include perseverance, respect for others, responsibility, national identity, commitment, integrity and care for others. Exactly what it means for teaching remains to be seen. But valid concerns have been raised when children as young as six are to understand the spirit of the Chinese constitution, while older ones must learn to safeguard national security and “love the motherland”. Schools are expected to infuse the values into all subjects and extracurricular activities, and assess students through worksheets, questionnaires, observations and interviews. Don’t teach Nanking massacre to young pupils: ex-Hong Kong education chief Few people would object to these values. For instance, the framework mentions that young people today are afflicted with laziness, expectations of “reaping without sowing”, and a “fluke mindset” that leaves life up to chance. It hopes students will instead work hard and contribute to their families, society and country. But some suggested teaching methods may seem alien to the local education system. One of the 20 examples for teachers to follow is to play The East is Red – a communist ballad popular during the Cultural Revolution – when teaching pupils about the achievements of Chinese aeronautical science. The removal of references about respect for human rights and critical thinking from the previous guidelines has further coloured perceptions. A recent survey of 140 secondary schools revealed they had lost almost 4,500 pupils and 1,000 teachers in the past academic year, an almost twofold increase over 2019-20. As the authorities push ahead with reforms, the impact on stakeholders must not be overlooked