Your Voice: Downside of tough parenting; awareness campaigns not enough to address Hong Kong mental health troubles (short letters)

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the influence of authoritarian parenting styles on the mental health of children. Under this style, which I believe is common in Hong Kong, students are expected to obey their parents’ orders. A prime example is the pressure on students to meet their parents’ academic expectations.

This mindset hinders the personal growth of children as they become overly reliant on their parents’ guidance. When faced with making decisions on their own, they feel perplexed and unsure.

Authoritarian parenting restricts children’s ability to socialise with others. Not only do students compete fiercely in academics, but they struggle to maintain healthy communication with their peers.

Teenagers have more freedom to choose their career paths with parents that are more open-minded. Consequently, they find more fulfilment in their chosen occupations.

While some may argue that parental control yields higher discipline and productivity, is it truly worth sacrificing teenagers’ mental well-being? It is evident that students raised under this parenting style struggle with independence, and it is essential to recognise and address this method.

My dad is frustrated by my social anxiety. What should I do?

Hailey Cheung, Pope Paul VI College

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Hong Kong teenagers facing mental health challenges. As the problem worsens, people are seeking answers and questioning the effectiveness of government measures.

One of the primary reasons behind this issue is society’s highly stressful academic environment. The education system is heavily focused on exams, and students are compelled to study tirelessly to excel academically.

Unfortunately, many students prioritise grades over personal growth, leading to intense pressure and limited awareness of their own mental well-being.

5 stress-busting tips for your mental health

The Education Bureau has allocated HK$80,000 to each local school to promote mental health initiatives. However, as a secondary school student, I fail to see the effectiveness of such a policy.

Students’ mental strain stems from the complex and exam-oriented educational system itself. Holding talks and organising activities to promote mental health, while valuable, do not address the root of the problem.

I strongly believe that only through the implementation of practical solutions can we alleviate this situation effectively.

Terry King, SKH Kei Hau Secondary School

Hong Kong will soon charge HK$0.11 for each litre of trash. Why is this measure so crucial?

Firstly, it encourages citizens to reduce waste by making them more conscious of their trash disposal habits. For example, individuals may opt to use towels instead of generating excessive tissue waste.

Should Hong Kong’s waste-charging scheme have a grace period?

Of course, implementing such a policy comes with obstacles. Illegal dumping may occur, with people disposing of their waste in public spaces using regular plastic bags without making any payments. This not only increases the workload for waste collectors but also reduces government earnings. To address this, the government can enhance surveillance by installing more cameras.

Another challenge the government may face is public opposition. To tackle this issue, authorities can focus on educating the public, particularly the younger generation, who are more likely to adapt to change.

In the long run, society will become cleaner, and the government will have additional funds to allocate to various initiatives. With this measure, residents will also learn to shop responsibly and be more eco-conscious.

Fanny Liang Jifeng, Leung Shek Chee College

Have you ever experienced a situation where a harmless joke from a friend suddenly leaves you feeling hurt or upset? It’s possible that you are a highly sensitive person who tends to experience emotions, sensations, and perceptions more intensely than the average person.

This heightened sensitivity can make you feel painful emotions more strongly while also experiencing pleasant ones more intensely. However, living in a constant state of heightened sensitivity is not only detrimental to ourselves but also affects our interactions with others, making it challenging to establish meaningful connections.

Try to find outlets for your negative emotions by recording your feelings, such as writing in a diary or talking with friends. The process of expressing these emotions can help you navigate their overwhelming intensity.

Strive to be actively aware of your feelings. If you sense yourself becoming emotionally overwhelmed in a situation that may not warrant such a reaction, be proactive and give yourself some distance from the situation to allow yourself to think.