Your Voice: Hong Kong’s waste levy scheme has some loopholes; teenage suicide rate continues to rise (short letters)

It’s true that the waste charge policy that will eventually be implemented in Hong Kong may encourage the public to support environmental protection by promoting green living and slowing down landfill compaction.

Still, this policy is also likely to be an inconvenience for many Hongkongers, especially those who are already struggling financially.

Low-income families will have to allocate a portion of their money to buy rubbish bags each month, increasing their financial burden. Even if the government provides subsidies, households will still need to spend at least HK$40 on rubbish bags every month.

It will require a lot of government manpower to ensure that every member of the public uses a specific bag to dispose of their rubbish. If the public does not follow the rules, it will make it difficult for cleaning workers to carry out their duties.

All in all, the government’s design of the rubbish bag levy scheme has a lot of loopholes, and its effectiveness is not yet clear.

The government is not even able to solve the simple problem of littering or cigarette butts, so how can they ensure that members of the public will follow the rules of disposing of their rubbish in specific rubbish bags?

Deep Dive: Authorities warn against fake bags ahead of launch of waste charging scheme

Kaidi Huang, CNEC Christian College

Goals provide motivation, stimulate creativity, and instil a sense of purpose in one’s life.

However, it is equally important to strike a balance between fostering ambition and ensuring a healthy childhood. Children should be given opportunities to explore their interests, develop their abilities, and have time for play, education, and social interaction.

In the age of social media, it is essential to monitor and guide children’s online behaviour. While social media channels provide a platform for inspiration and exposure to different ideas, they also pose risks and can have negative effects.

Parents need to be proactive in discussing responsible internet use with their children and helping them understand the potential consequences of their actions.

Encouraging critical thinking and promoting positive online interactions will empower children to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Bonnie Lam Chui-yan, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School

The reasons why young people take their own lives include lack of care from family members, poor relationships with peers and tremendous academic pressure. When students experience immense stress, they may suffer from anxiety, insomnia and depression. This, in turn, affects their academics, creating a vicious cycle.

For parents, fostering open communication is crucial. Creating a supportive environment at home can help children feel comfortable expressing their feelings.

What are the roots of cyberbullying, and how can emotional regulation help bullies change?

Seeking professional help is also advisable when conflicts become difficult to resolve. Teachers can contribute by creating an encouraging environment at school that promotes safety in seeking help and sharing issues.

Finally, the government should review its education policies and work towards alleviating academic pressure.

This can be achieved by promoting mental health awareness and organising public workshops to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.

Lynn Lin, Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School

People hold diverse political views, and discussing these views can lead to conflict.

When friends have opposing political views, it can feel like a direct challenge to their core values. These disagreements and clashes can strain relationships, leading to tension and a sense of personal betrayal.

It is important to respect different opinions to avoid damaging relationships. It is natural for people to have varying political views, and we should respect others’ right to hold their own opinions, even if we strongly disagree with them.

It is crucial to keep calm and avoid personal attacks, as maintaining peace with your friends is more important than winning an argument.

We live in a complex world, and things are not always straightforward or easily explained in a simple sentence. There is a lot of information out there, and we cannot believe everything we hear without evidence. It is important to do your research using reliable sources and to recognise there are shades of grey.

People should develop their critical thinking skills and cultivate a more constructive approach to political discussions to minimise damage to their relationships.