Top 10: What skill should every teen master before 18, and how can it be fun to learn?

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From cooking to financial management, discover the essential abilities Hong Kong students think they should master

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Discover essential skills teens think they should master. Photo: Shutterstock

This week’s question: Imagine you find a magic walkie-talkie that lets you share a secret with anyone in the world. Who would you pick, and what would you share? To take part, drop us a line via this form by 12pm on Wednesday, June 11.

Him Tam Lap-him, 15, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College: Basic living skills, such as washing dishes and purchasing food, are essential aspects of our daily lives. However, not many people can master these skills before turning 18, which can lead to problems in their adult lives.

Jay Wan Chun-yu, 13, Pui Kiu College: Every teen should learn to cook because it’s empowering and enjoyable. Consider making DIY sushi rolls, holding cookie-baking contests with friends, or recreating your favourite fast-food meals at home. You can learn by watching YouTube tutorials, participating in cooking competitions, or challenging yourself to prepare traditional dishes. Cooking fosters creativity, saves money, and transforms meals into rewarding experiences.

Pragya Mishra, 13, German Swiss International School: Every teenager should learn basic chores such as doing the dishes and laundry, especially in Hong Kong, where domestic helpers often assist with these tasks. Learning to do chores fosters independence and responsibility. To make it enjoyable, teenagers can compete with their siblings or listen to music, transforming chores into fun challenges.

Top 10: How would you change a spot in Hong Kong for teens, and why?

Ivan Luk King-ho, 16, Carmel Alison Lam Foundation Secondary School: Mastering self-defence is a valuable skill.Learning can be enjoyable through creative methods, such as incorporating self-defence moves into dance classes, creating role-playing scenarios with friends or filming YouTube challenges to showcase different techniques. These engaging approaches make the learning experience interactive and fun.

Chloe Huang Chung-yin, 13, St Francis of Assisi’s College: Financial management is crucial because it enables individuals to develop healthy financial habits. A simulation game featuring “payday” and “investment” components could make learning about finances more enjoyable. In this game, the player with the most wealth wins. Through such games, teenagers can learn how money functions in the real world.

Aimee Chong Sau Ling, 12, St Paul’s Co-educational College Primary School: Mastering communication skills is essential for every adolescent, as these abilities play a crucial role in daily life. They help build relationships, promote teamwork, and contribute to personal success. Joining debate clubs provides a stimulating environment to develop these skills, improving critical thinking, boosting self-confidence, and reducing anxiety in a supportive setting.

Communication skills are important for everyday life. Photo: Shutterstock

Jasmine Chau Tsz-ching, 15, Stewards Pooi Kei College: Organisational skills are crucial. Being organised is essential for effective communication, writing, taking exams and even during interviews. Many people struggle and fail due to poor organisational skills. It becomes particularly challenging to develop these skills after turning 18, as there are numerous other responsibilities to manage.

Charlie Chen Chit-yui, 14, Elegantia College: Many people think of sewing as an activity for older generations, but it’s never too early for teenagers to learn the skill. Our clothes often get worn out or stained, and mending and patching are practical skills that can help us avoid constantly buying new items. Start by sewing small patterns.

Keito Liu Kei-to, 13, Stewards Pooi Kei College: Creativity is a vital skill for teens, as it empowers them to think of innovative ways to improve society and differentiate themselves from their peers. Teens can tap into their creativity at any time and in any place. Creativity is a vital skill for teens, as it empowers them to think of innovative ways to improve society and differentiate themselves from their peers. Teens can tap into their creativity at any time and in any place. They might find inspiration in music or movies.

Alvin Lo Tsun-hin, 13, Pui Kiu College: All teenagers should develop their social skills, as building connections and close ties with others is essential in today’s world. When they face problems or challenges that they cannot overcome alone, having a support network allows them to reach out for help.

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