Your Voice: Hong Kong must address child abuse; choose reusable products to fight plastic waste problem (short letters)

I read the article titled “To address Hong Kong’s child abuse cases, NGO resources on positive parenting show corporal punishment alternatives” (Young Post, May 28). I couldn’t agree more. We have the responsibility to provide children with a nurturing environment to grow up in.

One of the main factors of child abuse is the use of corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure. When a child’s behaviour goes beyond a parent’s boundaries, these parents use physical punishment as a way to control them. Research shows that these methods can have a negative impact on a child’s mental and emotional well-being.

We should use alternative forms of discipline that do not cause physical or mental harm. One example is non-violent communication, which helps children develop self-discipline.

The government could provide counselling and classes to parents to reduce the rate of child abuse, and to help them develop healthy relationships with their children. It should also do more to raise awareness of child abuse in Hong Kong.

How parents can support teens and earn their trust

Li Cheuk-hin, CNEC Christian College

It is important to recognise the extent of the plastic waste problem in Hong Kong. According to a report by Greenpeace, Hong Kong generates an astonishing 5.2 million tons of waste each year, with a large portion of this being plastic waste. This waste contributes to pollution, harms wildlife and impacts human health.

One way to address this problem is to reduce our use of single-use plastic tableware. These items – plastic cups, cutlery and plates – are often used for just a few minutes before being discarded. They are not recyclable in most cases, and even when they are, recycling them requires energy and resources. By banning these items, we could significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated in Hong Kong.

Some may argue that it would be inconvenient or costly to switch to reusable alternatives. However, the benefits of such a change would outweigh the costs. Reusable bamboo or metal cutlery and plates can be washed and reused again and again, reducing the amount of waste generated and saving money in the long run.

Many other cities around the world have already taken this step. A ban on single-use plastic tableware would be a positive step forward for Hong Kong.

Should Hong Kong ban single-use plastic tableware?

Sophia Ling, German Swiss International School

India’s railway system is one of the largest in the world and is a vital mode of transport for millions of people each day. However, recent accidents have highlighted serious safety concerns.

According to an article in The New York Times on June 4, India’s railway system suffers from a lack of funding and outdated infrastructure, resulting in frequent accidents and fatalities. The article cites a recent train derailment that killed nearly 300 people as an example of the urgent need for the Indian government to invest in its railway system and improve safety measures for passengers.

In addition to funding, there are also cultural and operational issues that contribute to the unsafe conditions on India’s trains. For example, overcrowding, lack of safety equipment and inadequate training of staff are all contributing factors to the safety concerns.

It is imperative that the government takes immediate action. This includes modernising tracks and trains, providing adequate training for staff, and implementing stricter safety rules. It should consider increasing the use of technology, such as implementing automatic train control systems and improving communication systems between staff and passengers.

Kacie Cheng Hei-ting, Cheung Chuk Shan College

Divergent as people’s opinions on this issue might be, I believe that Hong Kong should not stop giving students homework.

Homework provides an opportunity for students to reinforce the concepts they have learned in class. Some schools in European countries like Finland have already abolished homework. Nevertheless, giving no homework to students will worsen their exam results. The purpose of homework is to teach problem-solving. If a “no homework” policy is put into practice, students’ efficiency will be lessened.

Do students need homework to learn?

Homework helps students to develop good habits of time management. When doing homework, students learn to prioritise. They have the chance to cultivate efficient study habits that can prove invaluable in their academic pursuits. If students don’t have homework every day, they will only focus on entertainment after school.

Teachers could instead reduce the amount of homework. For instance, by minimising homework that requires a big time investment.