Your Voice: Conventional employment takes a back seat; step up to stop bullying in schools (long letters)

“Do you remember those days when we wanted to be teachers? But now, it won’t be my dream any more. I am not interested in conventional employment.”

I am certain that many of us have had similar thoughts. Nowadays, adolescents prefer part-time jobs over full-time employment with a fixed salary. So, what are the key reasons behind this shift in preference?

The flexibility of non-conventional employment is more appealing. If you were employed as a secondary school teacher, it would be impractical to leave your students and school responsibilities behind and spontaneously travel to Japan for a holiday.

As a part-time employee, you can take a break from your job and embark on a journey at any point in time.

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In today’s world, young people yearn to live more flexible lives and are more inclined to prioritise their personal interests. The ability to pursue their dreams unhindered, regardless of time or location, significantly influences their career choices. Hence, it’s unsurprising that part-time jobs have become preferred over full-time employment.

Furthermore, non-conventional employment offers more intriguing job prospects. A full-time career as an office worker, where you find yourself engaged in the same daily tasks, is likely to become monotonous and unexciting over time.

Conversely, pursuing a career as a “slasher”, a person with multiple jobs, presents a wealth of fascinating opportunities. You can explore a diverse range of occupations and responsibilities. If you ever feel weary of your current role, you have the freedom to transition to a different job.

Young adults raised in this era possess a strong desire to push their boundaries and continually acquire new knowledge in their career paths. In contrast, the rigidity of full-time employment restricts such fluid transitions between roles. The experience of being a “slasher” enables you to acquire a plethora of new skills and knowledge. Therefore, the monotonous responsibilities associated with full-time jobs are a crucial reason adolescents exhibit disinterest in conventional employment.

The burden of family responsibilities has been reduced in recent times. Gone are the days when young adults were forced to secure a salaried job to financially support their families. That paradigm has shifted significantly. Most adolescents born in this era are not obliged to work solely for the betterment of their families.

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The marriage rate has also declined to its lowest point in contemporary times. This trend suggests that young adults in this century exhibit a relatively diminished interest in marriage or starting their own families.

Instead, their aspirations revolve around living an enriching life without regrets. Consequently, they are disinclined to embrace full-time employment, which may prove exhausting.

In summary, due to different backgrounds and cultural influences compared to the last generation, adolescents nowadays are more interested in having a career as a “slasher” rather than conventional employment. It allows them more flexibility to acquire different skills and lets them focus more on their lives and personal growth.

Chloe Chan Man-kwan, Valtorta College

In this day and age, school violence is pervasive in our city and has recently received significant attention. It is not uncommon for teenagers to experience bullying in various forms. They may be picked on, beaten up, called names, or even coerced into doing things against their will. Therefore, I am writing to provide practical suggestions on what schools in Hong Kong should do to address this problem.

First and foremost, educational institutes must create a safe environment that encourages students to report incidents of bullying. Victims and witnesses need courage and reassurance to come forward and share their experiences, and technology can provide a sense of security.

Schools should establish a dedicated safety committee equipped with an email address or a social media platform to facilitate the seamless reporting of issues encountered by students. Additionally, the committee can conduct comprehensive surveys to determine the frequency, locations, and interventions used by students, teachers, and parents in cases of bullying. Based on the findings, the committee can then develop and implement a series of counselling and preventive initiatives to create an atmosphere where bullying is unequivocally unacceptable.

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It is also crucial for schools to prioritise teaching students how to regulate their emotions and enhance their interpersonal skills. The Hong Kong education system has faced criticism for its excessive focus on examinations and neglecting other vital aspects such as moral and social education.

To address this, workshops and sessions should be conducted to enable students to acquire the ability to express their disappointment and anger appropriately while fostering harmonious relationships with others. Schools can also introduce activities like meditation and sports classes to provide students with outlets to relieve stress.

It is incumbent upon schools to take on the essential role of educating students on how to address instances of bullying effectively. Undoubtedly, most, if not all, students have encountered or witnessed bullying on campus. Therefore, it becomes crucial for students to boost their self-esteem and confidence. It is important to stand tall and be courageous.

Furthermore, if students choose not to confront the bullies directly, they should immediately seek the help of an adult, whether it be a parent, teacher, or security guard.

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Ultimately, the collective responsibility of every individual is crucial in the effort to combat and prevent bullying. Schools must promote an environment that encourages students to report bullying while equipping them with the necessary tools to express their emotions appropriately and strengthen their communication skills. Additionally, schools should provide opportunities for students to learn how to deal with bullying.

It is essential to recognise that all forms of violence have detrimental effects on the mental and physical well-being of adolescents. I genuinely hope that schools can promptly put an end to violence through concerted efforts with parents and students and create a positive learning environment.