Top 10: If you could add one rule to your school, what would it be and why?
From mindfulness breaks to anti-bullying policies, students propose changes to enhance well-being and fairness
Explore students’ creative ideas for improving school rules and environments in Hong Kong, focusing on respect, mindfulness, and anti-bullying measures. Photo: Shutterstock This week’s question: If you could redesign a spot in Hong Kong for teens, what would you change, and why? To take part, drop us a line via this form by 12pm on Wednesday, May 28.
Nicole Chan Cheuk-ying, 15, Shatin Tsung Tsin Secondary School: Respect and be friendly to your fellow students. While we often emphasise the importance of respecting our teachers, many people seem to overlook the need to respect their classmates. Our schoolmates play an important role in our school lives, so why not value and appreciate them as well?
Megan Lam, 11, Good Hope Primary School cum Kindergarten: Backstabbing should be banned because it arises from hate and jealousy, causing even the closest friends to betray one another. When a friend reveals your secrets to a teacher, it is incredibly hurtful and undermines trust. Promoting honesty and loyalty is essential for creating a positive school environment.
Sana Zaman Wong Sum-wai, 14, PLK Mrs Ma Kam Ming Cheung Fook Sien College: I would implement a daily 20-minute “Calm Corner Time” for mindfulness activities such as meditation and deep breathing. Given that students struggle with sleep and concentration due to stress, this practice will promote relaxation and enhance overall well-being, fostering a positive school environment.
Cayden Siu Kai-ting, 15, Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School: If I could add one rule to the school, it would be that teachers must also follow the student dress code. This would promote fairness by ensuring that teachers do not dress significantly better than students.
Yuen Hi-lok, 13, CCC Yenching College: I would establish a rule that prohibits entering into romantic relationships, as I have seen too many friends neglect their studies and give up on their personal goals because of falling in love. I want to prevent this from happening again.
Katie Lam, 16, GCC & ITKD Lau Pak Lok Secondary School: If I could implement one rule, it would be a clear anti-bullying policy that outlines students’ rights, responsibilities and expected behaviours. This policy would help create a safer learning environment, provide reassurance to parents and establish transparent consequences for those who bully. By clarifying the sanctions, students would better understand their accountability.
Who would you choose to be an ambassador for your school?
Wu Tsz-yan, 11, Holy Angels Canossian School: I would aim to organise outdoor learning for every subject. When students can engage with the material in real-life settings rather than just reading from books, they will retain the information more effectively. There’s a saying, “It is better to travel 10,000 miles than to read 10,000 books.” I strongly believe that students will have fun while learning this way.
Leo Li, 14, Elegantia College: Everyone should read an English newspaper every week. Students need to learn more about current events and expand their English vocabulary.
Poon Chiu-yu, 15, TWGHs Li Ka Shing College: Changing the school start time to 10am is important as students need enough rest before going to school. I also hope all students can sleep for more than nine hours.
Mirko Wong Tsz-ho, 16, GCC & ITKD Lau Pak Lok Secondary School: If I could add one rule to our school, I would allow all students the freedom to choose between wearing casual clothes and a school uniform. I want students to feel a sense of freedom in our school and have ample opportunities to express themselves through their clothing choices.