March, a maths prodigy, and Hoi-lam have enrolled at Baptist University and Chinese University, respectively.

I agree that they are both brilliant students, but entering university at such a young age is not a good idea.

They will be under tremendous pressure because people have high expectations of them.

Also, they need to face the media after they become famous. This could disrupt their school life, while their family and friends may also come under the spotlight.

They will find it hard to adapt to university life and get along with much older students. This could affect them mentally.

Entering university is not the only option for children with great ability. For example, the government has many schemes targeting them.

The whizz kids can go to university to study only their favourite subject. As for the other subjects, they can attend a mainstream school.

Finally, I hope the public would not put too much pressure on gifted students.

They should be treated like normal students. There is little doubt this is what they want, so let's leave them alone.

Alice Ng Shuk-mei, Leung Shek Chee College

Mind your words - they can hurt

There is a saying: 'One word can cure or kill a person.'

We should think twice before criticising others. We may not intend to hurt them, but we should use our words carefully.

One of my classmates, Lily, failed her English exam and had a big fight with her father.

I didn't know how to comfort her at the time.

Later, I said I would always be on her side. She was very happy because I supported her.

Sometimes I use bad words during arguments with my brother. But, afterwards, I feel sorry that I had hurt his feelings.

When my peers tease me, I feel very upset and lose confidence in my ability.

So think carefully before you say anything bad about others.

Cheeze

US coffee giant poses no threat

I am writing to express my views about the controversial expulsion of Starbucks from Forbidden City in July.

The coffee shop, which was set up seven years ago, is popular among Chinese people who are becoming more westernised.

Does the American coffee giant pose a challenge to traditional Chinese culture? I don't think so.

The mainland authorities want to preserve the country's heritage and are worried about the influx of foreign culture. They say Starbucks tarnished the image of a key historical site.

I don't believe there is a threat to Chinese culture because it cannot be replaced by anything else.

Rather than posing a danger to the mainland's traditions, Starbucks was simply promoting a harmless trend among Chinese people.

I hope China will be more friendly towards foreign companies in future.

Winki Lam, King Ling College

Save the dolphin

I was 10 years old when I saw a dolphin for the first time. I will never forget that moment.

These days, you have to be very lucky to see a dolphin in the sea. I am worried that the Lantau reclamation plans will damage the habitat of the Chinese white dolphins.

The government should lead the way in protecting the environment.

Officials should come up with an alternative plan that has less negative effects.

The public should trust the government on this issue. Then both sides will benefit.

We have a responsibility to protect all animals in Hong Kong.

I hope we will be able to see dolphins with our own eyes, rather than in photographs or on TV.

Helen Ng Shuk-yin, Leung Shek Chee College

A sweet smile

Chocolate has been my favourite food since I was six years old. When I am sad, chocolate can make me happy - it is just like magic. Making dessert is my favourite hobby because it helps me to relax.

My aunt gave me a box of chocolate for my sixth birthday. She told me that when I am unhappy, chocolate would make me smile. From that day, when I am sad, I have been eating some chocolate.

Do you know that chocolate is good for us? It gives us energy. Although chocolate is a healthy food, don't eat too much because it can make you fat.

Yip Mei-han, ELCHK Lutheran Secondary School

A lovely world

Besides our parents, who else loves us? Other family members, teachers and classmates care about us.

Even strangers help us. For example, if we drop something in the street, somebody will pick it up and hand it back to us. When we get lost, they will direct us to the right destination. Love is all around us, so we should treasure everybody. Don't forget to say 'thank you' to them!

Rita Ng Wing-tung, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Stop online bullying

Cyber bullying includes spreading rumours or teasing someone through online message boxes and diaries and SMS. This is very serious because it involves a lot more people than a physical confrontation. Please stop cyber bullying immediately.

Gigi Yiu, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College