https://www.scmp.com/rss/325359/feed Latest news, features and analysis on Hong Kong youth, with a focus on education, young people’s sense of identity and role in anti-government protests. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Andrea Lo Andrea Lo Hong Kong’s international schools talk a great deal about preparing students for university. Increasingly, they are also building spaces with this in mind. Rather than functioning simply as a backdrop to academic programmes, the physical environment is envisioned as a tool to shape behaviour. In new campuses, students are encouraged to practise independence, engage in collaborative work and build the self-management skills they will need beyond school. Stamford American School’s West Kowloon... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3348636/how-hong-kong-schools-are-transforming-mirror-university-style-spaces?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3348636/how-hong-kong-schools-are-transforming-mirror-university-style-spaces?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:15:07 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng The head of Hong Kong’s Catholic diocese has urged the government to offer young offenders a “second chance to start anew” and to introduce legal provisions to help those with minor criminal records pursue their careers. In his Easter message on Thursday, Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan also encouraged authorities to reduce the use of key performance indicators (KPIs) so that educators could have more time and space to better support students, amid persistently high youth suicide rates. “I call on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348768/hong-kongs-top-catholic-priest-calls-young-offenders-get-second-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348768/hong-kongs-top-catholic-priest-calls-young-offenders-get-second-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:34:24 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong (MAIHK) and Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) latest survey is a wake-up call: 43.5 per cent of Gen Z respondents reported moderate to severe depression. Researchers also found a positive correlation between screen time and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3348107/start-early-connect-deeply-addressing-gen-zs-mental-health-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3348107/start-early-connect-deeply-addressing-gen-zs-mental-health-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 03:30:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial There is a growing need to address the lack of regular exercise among Hong Kong students. Turning back the clock to more physically active childhoods is not an option. Without action at home and school to maintain physical activity amid a digital lifestyle, today’s schoolchildren face a greater risk – and an earlier onset – of ill health. A government report for the 2024-25 school year says about 94 per cent of students do not get enough moderate to vigorous exercise, recommended for at least an... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348097/ounce-obesity-prevention-worth-kilo-cure-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348097/ounce-obesity-prevention-worth-kilo-cure-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:45:07 +0000 Rina Lai Rina Lai For most of my career in developmental and educational psychology, I have been guided by a single question: what do children truly need to flourish in the world they are entering? I don’t mean the world their parents inherited or the one textbooks were designed for, but the one unfolding – volatile, technology-saturated and deeply uncertain. Eight years ago, during my PhD studies at the University of Cambridge, I was certain I was close to finding the answer; I immersed myself in building... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3347072/case-spiritual-wellness-age-anxious-youth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3347072/case-spiritual-wellness-age-anxious-youth?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu “What if?” and “but why?” are questions I’ve been bombarded with by young schoolchildren. I’m often stumped, but I’ve learned to avoid giving the “worst” answer possible – “that’s the way it is” – because who’s to say things can’t change. Children’s ability to challenge the status quo, questioning norms and authority, forces us to re-examine our assumptions on why things must be the way they are. Adults are often too impatient to experiment with the alternative. We rush through our to-do lists... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3347350/hong-kongs-education-policy-must-reflect-innovative-future-it-seeks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3347350/hong-kongs-education-policy-must-reflect-innovative-future-it-seeks?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:30:09 +0000 Sumnima Kandangwa Sumnima Kandangwa On World Obesity Day, March 4, Hong Kong launched its first three-year action plan on weight management targeting rising obesity rates. Citing a Report of Population Health Survey 2020–22 conducted by the Department of Health, the government noted that over 50 per cent of Hong Kong’s adult population is overweight or obese based on their Body Mass Index. “It’s heartening to see the government taking steps to build a healthy community that promotes nutrition education and regular exercise,” said... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3347273/hong-kong-governments-plan-answer-obesity-or-eating-disorder-risk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3347273/hong-kong-governments-plan-answer-obesity-or-eating-disorder-risk?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:15:12 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words The Hong Kong Initiative for Diversity recently hosted a forum, “Building Bridges: Challenges and Solutions for Nepali Residents in Hong Kong”, bringing together educators, academics, entrepreneurs, Nepali community members and local Chinese residents for an honest discussion... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3346740/how-hong-kong-can-better-support-its-nepali-youth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3346740/how-hong-kong-can-better-support-its-nepali-youth?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:30:08 +0000 Erica Fong Erica Fong From the classroom to the parent-teacher meeting, when it comes to achievement, one question persists: is a child’s potential written in their genes, or can it be boosted by education? The debate around nature versus nurture is especially pertinent in the context of Hong Kong’s high-stakes academic milieu – one in which students may find themselves on a predetermined track in science or the arts, regardless of their own preferences or natural talents. Experts agree that a child’s potential is... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3345153/nature-versus-nurture-unlocking-potential-hong-kongs-children?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3345153/nature-versus-nurture-unlocking-potential-hong-kongs-children?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:56:50 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words As a professional with expertise in psychiatric nursing, family counselling and mediation, I welcome the newly implemented Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance in principle. However, I urge society to also pay attention to the practical challenges in implementing it. The... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3343403/protect-children-professionals-could-also-watch-family-dynamics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3343403/protect-children-professionals-could-also-watch-family-dynamics?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 03:30:09 +0000 William Yiu,Kelly Fung William Yiu,Kelly Fung Suri Chan Tin-wing, a first-year English major at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, found herself struggling to write her first creative short story – a 300-word assignment for the compulsory course “Introduction to Literature”. Throughout her secondary schooling at Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si College in Kowloon Bay, only science subjects, such as maths and biology, were taught in English as the school adopted Chinese as the medium of instruction (CMI). Chan, 19, felt that she lacked... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3343539/will-allowing-more-hong-kong-schools-teach-english-be-too-testing-pupils?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3343539/will-allowing-more-hong-kong-schools-teach-english-be-too-testing-pupils?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 01:00:17 +0000 Salomé Grouard Salomé Grouard Hong Kong’s education system is famously unforgiving. From cutthroat kindergarten admissions to hours of nightly homework and an average of five hours of private tutoring a week, children face tremendous pressure to perform in the world’s third most competitive economy. In such an environment, arts education rarely makes the cut – often dismissed as a luxury rather than a path to success. “Growing up, I had so many talented friends who gave up on art as they went through school,” says... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3343401/how-hong-kong-schools-and-artists-offgodtate-are-nurturing-creativity-ai-era?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3343401/how-hong-kong-schools-and-artists-offgodtate-are-nurturing-creativity-ai-era?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 07:00:10 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words I appreciate the growing public concern for students’ mental health and I am grateful that lawmakers discussed the issue seriously at the education panel on January 27. I also empathise with the anxiety many parents, educators and policymakers feel and their sincere wish to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3342620/student-wellbeing-not-problem-easily-solved-ai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3342620/student-wellbeing-not-problem-easily-solved-ai?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Feb 2026 03:30:09 +0000 Lynn Farah Lynn Farah For Hong Kong’s students, going to university is a defining moment, fraught with a complex calculus of personal passion, parental expectation and the perceived demands of a volatile job market. Yet, as educators and counsellors attest, the most successful path forward is not one of enforced compromise but of a more integrated way of thinking, merging practical experience with intellectual passion and purposeful career planning. From the experiential learning labs of City University of Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3342081/how-help-hong-kong-students-navigate-their-university-choices-and-career-paths?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3342081/how-help-hong-kong-students-navigate-their-university-choices-and-career-paths?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 07:34:13 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu The Education University of Hong Kong (EdU) has launched an artificial intelligence-powered mental health support app for students, with a secondary school principal praising its potential to help teachers track pupils’ emotional well-being. Named EmoCare, the app began a trial run last month, serving about 700 primary, secondary and university students. A key feature turns students’ diary entries into colourful visualisations of their emotions. The app’s large language model analyses the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3341297/ai-mental-health-app-helps-hong-kong-students-accentuate-positive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3341297/ai-mental-health-app-helps-hong-kong-students-accentuate-positive?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:58:37 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial New revelations about how widespread AI use is among Hong Kong students must be a wake-up call for the city. While the Education Bureau has been looking into curriculum changes, the research highlights the need for a more comprehensive and centralised approach to AI use in schools. Our Hong Kong Foundation said this month that it found 95 per cent of students use the technology. Nearly one in four admitted they struggle to finish homework without artificial intelligence, according to a survey... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3340988/hong-kong-needs-centralised-ai-curriculum-its-students?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3340988/hong-kong-needs-centralised-ai-curriculum-its-students?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Jan 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Jess Ma,Fiona Sun Jess Ma,Fiona Sun A property landlord has backed down and given tenants of a Hong Kong youth hostel an extra month to find alternative housing, following residents’ complaints about potentially having to return to cramped shoebox homes when the lease expires. Some residents of the BeLIVING Youth Hub in Causeway Bay said on Friday that its operator, the Hong Kong United Youth Association, had called tenants last week to tell them that they had to move out by February 28. “We are all fearful now. We are worried... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3340955/we-are-fearful-hong-kong-youth-hostel-closure-leaves-tenants-scrambling-housing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3340955/we-are-fearful-hong-kong-youth-hostel-closure-leaves-tenants-scrambling-housing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jan 2026 07:25:52 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words Hong Kong’s Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance commenced on Tuesday, imposing a legal duty on 25 categories of specified professionals in social welfare, education and healthcare to report suspected serious child abuse “as soon as practicable”. The policy creates a wide... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3340779/what-hong-kongs-abuse-reporting-law-means-child-facing-professionals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3340779/what-hong-kongs-abuse-reporting-law-means-child-facing-professionals?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jan 2026 03:30:08 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong professionals mandated to report suspected child abuse cases under a new law taking effect on Tuesday are largely ready, but some have said challenges remain in working with parents from different cultural backgrounds and detecting online crimes targeting youngsters. Under the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, more than 100,000 people across 25 professions in the social welfare, education and medical sectors are required to report suspected maltreatment of those aged under... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3340476/hong-kong-professions-ready-new-child-abuse-law-some-challenges-remain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3340476/hong-kong-professions-ready-new-child-abuse-law-some-challenges-remain?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:30:16 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Owning a home has long been an elusive dream for many young people in Hong Kong, but an alarming new study shows how much harder it now is to climb the housing ladder. Authorities should carefully review the research and redouble efforts to reverse the trend before it does more damage to society. The University of Hong Kong Business School study found the proportion of subsidised homeowners aged 30 to 39 had nearly halved to 16 per cent over the past three decades. The “Hong Kong Economic Policy... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3340375/hong-kong-must-tackle-demoralising-impact-unaffordable-housing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3340375/hong-kong-must-tackle-demoralising-impact-unaffordable-housing?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Oscar Liu,William Yiu Oscar Liu,William Yiu More than half of Hong Kong’s 78 semi-private schools have applied to increase class sizes and student numbers to admit more non-locals as part of the city’s drive to become an international education hub. The Education Bureau said on Monday that it has received an “enthusiastic response” to its earlier invitation to all Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools to take in more non-local pupils. The initiative, first outlined in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s policy address last year, allows DSS... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3340466/40-hong-kong-semi-private-schools-eye-more-non-local-pupils-education-hub-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3340466/40-hong-kong-semi-private-schools-eye-more-non-local-pupils-education-hub-push?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:52:21 +0000 Andrea Lo Andrea Lo Hong Kong has seen a striking rise in the number of students identified with special educational needs (SEN) over the past decade. There are nearly 60,000 SEN primary and secondary students in Hong Kong, more than double the number a decade ago, according to The Social and Emotional Support for SEN Children Adapting to Primary School Survey, a 2023 report by Hong Kong Christian Service. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) alone among Hong Kong children aged six to 17 is now... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3340362/hong-kong-tackles-sen-technology-set-bigger-role-assessment-intervention?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3340362/hong-kong-tackles-sen-technology-set-bigger-role-assessment-intervention?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:28:32 +0000 Cindy Sui Cindy Sui How do you get youngsters interested in lessons about saving, budgeting and investing? Definitely not with lectures, said the founders of Talents Foundation, a Hong Kong charity that aims to teach young people how to manage their finances and achieve their career and life goals in a fun way. Founders Arthur Hui Ka-yu and David Wong have developed a curriculum, including a Monopoly-like board game, that teaches primary and secondary school students how to seize opportunities, such as job... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3340284/smart-money-how-hong-kong-charity-makes-finance-lessons-fun-pupils?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3340284/smart-money-how-hong-kong-charity-makes-finance-lessons-fun-pupils?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jan 2026 05:15:08 +0000 Grenville Cross Grenville Cross The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance becomes operational in Hong Kong on January 20, and will enhance child protections. It contains a mechanism for the early and effective detection of child abuse cases. It requires particular professionals to report if, during their work, they come to suspect a child has been suffering serious harm, or is at real risk of it. The acts considered serious harm include inflicting physical injury, forcing or enticing a child to participate in a sexual... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3337361/hong-kongs-new-legislators-must-strengthen-child-protection-laws?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3337361/hong-kongs-new-legislators-must-strengthen-child-protection-laws?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words I refer to the article, “Hong Kong should study social media impact on teens, craft its own policies: experts” (December 11). It was a refreshing thought that excessive screen time poses a significant health concern, particularly among children. Several countries have in recent... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3337410/kick-our-social-media-habit-lets-start-adults?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3337410/kick-our-social-media-habit-lets-start-adults?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:30:08 +0000 Jacqueline Kot Jacqueline Kot Imagine a classroom with no walls, where instead, trees provide a natural border of sorts, and air conditioning and lights are replaced by fresh air, breezes and unfiltered sunlight. Where children are free to jump, climb and make a mess – all on a normal weekday at school. Outdoor learning has long been a popular concept in Scandinavia, with children encouraged to develop their critical thinking and learn about nature and biodiversity through play and activities in real-life settings. Some of... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3336911/hong-kong-forest-schools-are-embracing-risky-play-children-young-2?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3336911/hong-kong-forest-schools-are-embracing-risky-play-children-young-2?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:00:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The global trend of restricting the use of smartphones by children or limiting their access to social media is gathering momentum. Australia’s groundbreaking ban on children under 16 registering with popular platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, begins on Wednesday. The move, requiring the closing of more than a million accounts, sets a potential precedent and its implementation will be closely watched around the world. Some countries, such as New Zealand and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3335783/curbs-childrens-social-media-use-and-screen-time-must-strike-balance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3335783/curbs-childrens-social-media-use-and-screen-time-must-strike-balance?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Dec 2025 23:15:13 +0000 Sonal Dhanani Sonal Dhanani Hong Kong has been talking more openly about youth mental health than ever before – and with good reason. Student suicides climbed to a decade high of 32 cases in 2023, and there were 28 more last year. The number of students struggling with mental health issues rose 27 per cent between 2023 and 2024. Beyond schools, the city recorded 1,092 suicides in 2023, almost three people a day. Researchers note worrying trends among younger adults, particularly men aged 25-39. The policy response has... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3335457/why-hong-kongs-youth-must-be-key-part-citys-mental-health-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3335457/why-hong-kongs-youth-must-be-key-part-citys-mental-health-support?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:30:10 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words For most of my life – not just my adult life – I have heard Hong Kong described in blunt, unflattering terms: rushed, rude, transactional, emotionally distant. I felt it myself, which was one of the reasons that, though still identifying as a Hongkonger, I chose to spend so many... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3334516/kinder-gentler-hong-kong-emerged-shared-pain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3334516/kinder-gentler-hong-kong-emerged-shared-pain?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 03:30:09 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words Before I begin, allow me to offer my condolences for the many lives lost and the families affected in the Wang Fuk Court fire. And many thanks to the rescuers and medical staff for their unwavering commitment in the face of this tragedy. This fire shows a clear danger in how... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3334303/hong-kong-fire-must-force-rethink-use-bamboo-scaffolding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3334303/hong-kong-fire-must-force-rethink-use-bamboo-scaffolding?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:30:11 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words Is silence safer than thought? Increasingly, the answer appears to be yes. The controversy surrounding Malaysian scholar Solehah Yaacob’s theory about Roman shipbuilding and Malay seafarers reveals a crisis facing academia globally. What began as scholarly hypothesis became public... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3334024/academic-theories-deserve-rigorous-scrutiny-not-public-shaming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3334024/academic-theories-deserve-rigorous-scrutiny-not-public-shaming?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:30:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The disruption of school life by Covid-19 pandemic control measures took a heavy toll on education. It was reflected by a fall in standards of proficiency in a number of subjects that continued after the measures were lifted. Thankfully, standards seem to have stabilised and, in some cases, to have begun rebounding. Evidence of this is to be found in the latest annual Territory-wide System Assessment conducted by education authorities earlier this year. A case in point is the proficiency in... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3333911/rebound-hong-kong-pupils-english-proficiency-encouraging?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3333911/rebound-hong-kong-pupils-english-proficiency-encouraging?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:15:15 +0000 Erica Fong Erica Fong Long before public and private school systems existed, the world’s first classrooms were almost all faith-based – from European monasteries in the Middle Ages to schools that integrated religion with secular learning throughout the Reformation and Enlightenment. Today, faith-based schools – be they Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim or otherwise – continue to offer rigorous academics alongside moral and spiritual instruction, laying a foundation for learning that nurtures both... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3333661/does-faith-based-education-really-contribute-academic-excellence-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3333661/does-faith-based-education-really-contribute-academic-excellence-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:00:25 +0000 Christine Loh Christine Loh We have entered an era of uncomfortable geopolitics. The world order that once promised stability is unravelling. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza, coups in Africa and intensifying US-China rivalry have shaken us. Power is shifting, alliances are fluid and artificial intelligence technology magnifies uncertainty. This disruption reaches far beyond governments. It touches ordinary lives through prices, jobs and the constant churn of online outrage. The result is a global unease that blurs the line... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3332549/welcome-age-disruption-and-feelings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3332549/welcome-age-disruption-and-feelings?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:30:10 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu Two universities in Australia will directly admit students from Hong Kong’s semi-private schools based on teachers’ predictions of their grades in the city’s university entrance examinations and principals’ nominations under an unprecedented arrangement. The Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council said it hoped the new initiative would ease students’ uncertainties by helping them secure universities’ offers before the exams and giving them a chance to pursue higher education abroad. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3332930/2-australian-universities-admit-hong-kong-students-based-predicted-grades?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3332930/2-australian-universities-admit-hong-kong-students-based-predicted-grades?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Nov 2025 01:00:34 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words A recent survey finding that more than half of Hong Kong children between the ages of six and 10 own a smartphone should spur a serious rethink on what’s best for our children’s development. Since the proliferation of mobile phone usage and the rise of social media, there has been... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3332739/help-our-children-step-out-virtual-playgrounds-real-ones?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3332739/help-our-children-step-out-virtual-playgrounds-real-ones?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Nov 2025 03:30:08 +0000 Douglas Parkes Douglas Parkes You’ve visited campuses, spoken to teachers, reviewed the curriculum and extracurriculars, and are happy with the academic results. You feel good about the community and have finally chosen the right school for your young child. Congratulations! The hardest part is over. Now for the next step: understanding the admissions assessment. Sometimes this is straightforward, but it can just as easily be an impenetrable fog. Phrases like “social-emotional development skills”, “numeracy, cognitive... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3330460/how-hong-kong-schools-are-taking-holistic-approach-student-assessment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3330460/how-hong-kong-schools-are-taking-holistic-approach-student-assessment?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2025 22:15:08 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words It is encouraging to see the Education Bureau’s renewed commitment to student well-being through the 4Rs Mental Health Charter, which highlights resilience as a core theme this year. The bureau has taken a more proactive stance – curating themed resources that teachers and schools... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3330716/youth-resilience-starts-strong-teacher-student-connections?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3330716/youth-resilience-starts-strong-teacher-student-connections?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2025 03:30:10 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong police have arrested seven individuals including a 13-year-old boy, linked to an online group known for filming controversial public stunts, on suspicion of criminal intimidation after three victims reported receiving razor blades in the post. The force said on Friday that the suspects, aged between 13 and 36, had been held on suspicion of criminal intimidation, acts outraging public decency and disorderly conduct in a public place. Between October 15 and 22, police said it received... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3330209/hong-kong-teens-among-7-arrested-over-alleged-razor-blade-intimidation-letters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3330209/hong-kong-teens-among-7-arrested-over-alleged-razor-blade-intimidation-letters?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:26:33 +0000 Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard According to a 2024 survey by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, 45 per cent of students polled identified their stress levels between seven and 10. These results demonstrated the first increase in four years. With stress levels on the rise, so too are the physical and mental consequences. These can range between sleep disruptions, headaches, changes in appetite, irritability, withdrawal and feelings of hopelessness. On Monday, it was reported that an 11-year-old boy in Tuen Mun died... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3330206/under-pressure-rising-stress-crisis-among-hong-kong-students?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3330206/under-pressure-rising-stress-crisis-among-hong-kong-students?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:17:39 +0000 Lynn Farah Lynn Farah In a city that prizes academic achievement, Hong Kong’s educators are confronting an alarming disconnect: while their students rank among the world’s most technically proficient readers, they’ve become some of the most reluctant. The latest Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) painted a concerning picture, with Hong Kong’s Primary 4 pupils ranked 49th out of 57 regions for reading confidence, a startling contrast to their top-tier literacy scores. The 2021 study, conducted... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3329734/hong-kongs-reading-crisis-why-our-excellent-readers-have-little-love-books?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3329734/hong-kongs-reading-crisis-why-our-excellent-readers-have-little-love-books?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Oct 2025 22:20:08 +0000 Rachael Kininmonth,Beatrice Tsang Rachael Kininmonth,Beatrice Tsang As the world awaits the selection of the host for the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Greater Bay Area development zone stands at a crossroads. More than a celebration of elite athleticism, bidding for and hosting the games offers transformational benefits that could elevate the region socially, culturally and economically for generations. From fostering community integration and inspiring youth to championing health initiatives and instilling regional pride, the Olympics present a... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3328188/greater-bay-area-must-seize-chance-ignite-olympic-flame?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3328188/greater-bay-area-must-seize-chance-ignite-olympic-flame?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Oct 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words At the recent United Nations General Assembly plenary marking the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth – which I had the opportunity to attend – the message was remarkable: young people are not leaders in waiting, but decision-makers of today. Around half... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3327995/hong-kong-can-find-its-competitive-edge-youth-empowerment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3327995/hong-kong-can-find-its-competitive-edge-youth-empowerment?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Oct 2025 03:30:07 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu A mentorship scheme designed to lift Hong Kong pupils living in subdivided flats out of poverty arranged for a teenager to be coached by world-acclaimed violinist Yao Jue and perform in front of state leaders, including President Xi Jinping. Li Ching-po, 15, enrolled in the first iteration of the government’s Strive and Rise Programme in 2022 and two years later performed in front of state leaders. He also joined his mentor on stage for the city’s National Day variety show last Thursday. “The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3328028/life-changing-hong-kong-teen-flies-high-under-star-violinists-mentorship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3328028/life-changing-hong-kong-teen-flies-high-under-star-violinists-mentorship?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:53:29 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The dispute between Hong Kong International School and its co-founder Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) has once again drawn attention to the financing models for such schools. Parents can face substantial extra costs which, unlike tuition fees, are not necessarily subject to regulatory scrutiny by the Education Bureau. They can include hefty debentures – sometimes in exchange for enrolment priority – entrance and application fees, capital levies, deposits, learning support fees and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3327250/remain-competitive-international-schools-must-be-more-transparent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3327250/remain-competitive-international-schools-must-be-more-transparent?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Sep 2025 23:15:12 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s young are in need of new opportunities. But many take a chance on crime, drawn by misconceptions about easy money. Criminal syndicates have, in recent years, been using social media to lure young people into offences such as scams and money laundering. So the latest figures, showing a drop in those aged 10 to 20 arrested for criminal offences, are welcome. They suggest collaborative efforts between the police and other stakeholders, along with campaigns to increase awareness of the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3325975/keeping-youth-out-crime-battle-all-hong-kong-must-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3325975/keeping-youth-out-crime-battle-all-hong-kong-must-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Sep 2025 22:45:08 +0000 Carmen Cao Carmen Cao Choosing the right international school in Hong Kong is a pivotal decision that shapes your child’s academic journey. With demand often exceeding the number of available places at leading institutions, proactive planning is essential. This guide aims to demystify the process, equipping parents with timelines, key criteria and actionable steps to secure their child’s place. Key selection criteria When navigating the admissions process, parents should consider several key criteria that influence... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3325836/ultimate-guide-international-school-admissions-hong-kong-parents?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3325836/ultimate-guide-international-school-admissions-hong-kong-parents?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Sep 2025 22:15:08 +0000 Amalissa Hall Amalissa Hall Nutrition and education are inherently interlinked. In March 2025, Unesco released the Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well report, which underscores the “importance of school meals in the health and learning of children” and advocates for more food education and nutritious foods. The report found that in 2022, 27 per cent of school meals worldwide were not designed in consultation with nutritionists, and only 93 countries out of the 187 evaluated had legislation, standards or guidelines... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3325835/learning-eat-well-hong-kong-schools-stress-eating-meals-nourish-and-educate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3325835/learning-eat-well-hong-kong-schools-stress-eating-meals-nourish-and-educate?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:15:11 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma The number of crimes committed by juveniles in Hong Kong has dropped by 14 per cent in the first half of this year compared with the same period last year, with the largest decreases seen in fraud and money laundering. But authorities reported that arrests of teenagers for dangerous drug offences, indecent assault and criminal damage had increased this year. Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming said on Monday that while the overall reduction in youth arrests reflected the impact of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3325599/crime-among-hong-kong-youth-falls-14-drug-and-assault-cases-increase?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3325599/crime-among-hong-kong-youth-falls-14-drug-and-assault-cases-increase?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:50:17 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com 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 It is heartbreaking to learn that the number of suicides in 2024 was the highest since 2003. The Actuarial Society of Hong Kong recently reported that suicide is the leading cause of death among... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3324868/hong-kong-needs-more-open-and-empathetic-conversations-suicide?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3324868/hong-kong-needs-more-open-and-empathetic-conversations-suicide?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 03:30:08 +0000