Advertisement
Letters | Hong Kong schools must combat the roots of toxic masculinity
Readers discuss teaching children how to regulate their own emotions, evaluating the feasibility of smaller classes, and a beloved Hong Kong flower
Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
2
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification
There is much hype surrounding the new Netflix series, Adolescence. The show has reignited discussions and fears about social media and digital devices. Many commentators seemed too quick to blame social media when the underlying messages run deeper.
The dangers of toxic masculinity in our society are understated. There is not much education about such problems in Hong Kong. The unspoken chauvinistic expectations that boys cannot be vulnerable and that expressing feelings is a sign of weakness remain.
Advertisement
There are more initiatives to talk about our feelings. However, are teachers and parents equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond appropriately? The father in Adolescence clearly has anger management issues. When parents cannot control their own emotions – how can we expect our children to do so?
Some schools are placing increased emphasis on children’s self-regulation of emotions. But Hong Kong kids are notorious for having packed schedules and sleeping late, how can they effectively “regulate” themselves if they are permanently sleep-deprived?
Advertisement
A recent video online shows a child doing homework at Coldplay’s concert. I am far from being a tiger parent, but I empathise. Local schools talk about reducing homework. Yet a seemingly endless train of homework, dictations and essays persists. To survive the system, perhaps doing homework in the dark is the only way to “have a life”.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x