Top 10: What habits did you grow out of as you got older?

Talya Choi Tsz-yui, 13, Carmel Alison Lam Foundation Secondary School: Telling secrets to my parents. In the past, my parents were my best company whenever I felt sad and faced any troubles. I would tell them every tiny little thing that happened to me every day. As I grow older, I prefer to tell my little secrets to my friends rather than my parents. Perhaps we think our friends are more reliable? I think they can understand my feelings better and are more willing to give me suggestions. Their suggestions may not be as useful as my parents, but it is less embarrassing to share secrets with them.

Isabel Chan Ka-yi, 15, STFA Yung Yau College: I have to admit I wasn’t the most well-behaved child. During primary school, my friends and I always went out at night to have late-night snacks. We played, talked and just kept each other company. After primary school, some of my friends went abroad for their studies, and some went to different secondary schools. We started to grow apart, and because of this, I no longer gather for late-night snacks.

What is a childish habit you hope to keep even as you grow older?

Wong Pui-chi, 14, Immaculate Heart of Mary College: My mischievous and reckless behaviour was quite notable when I was younger. I had a tendency to be very naughty. I would fight with my classmates, break school windows or play pranks on my schoolmates and teachers. These behaviours impacted my image, unintentionally leaving a negative impression on my teachers and peers. As I grow older, it is crucial for me to learn how to respect others and foster genuine friendships based on love and care rather than solely seeking personal amusement.

Jaeslyn Ng, 15, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Seaward Woo College: When I was seven years old, I would bite my fingernails when I was bored or nervous. My fingernails were all broken and irregular in shape and size, but after my mum bought some anti-nail biting polish, I started biting them less often.

Duncan Lo Wang-chit, 17, Fanling Rhenish Church Secondary School: I used to spend an excessive amount of time on my electronic devices. When I was younger, I would devote almost half my day to watching YouTube videos and playing online games on my tablet to kill time. As I entered secondary school, I realised that my studies left me with little time to indulge in using these gadgets.

Constantine Wong Tin-yan, 13, Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School: Hunchback is a type of kyphosis, an exaggerated curving of the spine, which affected me for some time. The risks of having a hunchback include respiratory failure, muscular dystrophy, and the disruption of nerve signals. I had this hunchback posture because I was so into gaming that I would jut my head forward towards the screen. I only began correcting this poor posture when I matured and understood the importance of kicking such a habit. Nowadays, I remind myself repeatedly not to make the same mistake whenever I start gaming.

The things we hate that everyone seems to love

Lily Luo Uen-yi, 15, TWGHs Li Ka Shing College: I was very fond of candies when I was little, especially chewing gum. I chewed it all the time. Unlike other candies, which would melt in my mouth within a minute, chewing gum is unbelievably flexible. I could chew a little piece of gum for hours, just to experience the feeling of its wonderful, juicy taste. I was ruthlessly punished by a teacher in primary school for chewing gum during her lesson, and I have never picked up this hobby again.

Hailey Cheung Hei-yiu, 11, Holy Angels Canossian School: Being picky about food was a habit I grew out of as I got older. In the past, I used to avoid things I did not like. However, I like to try more foods now because it is interesting to eat different varieties, and it may have nutritional value. For example, I used to dislike vegetables, but they are very nutritious, so I eat them now.

Jason Liu Chun-sang, 16, King’s College: When I was little, I had a habit of using plastic straws whenever I drank anything because I thought it was fun seeing the liquid flow through the little pipe. As I got older, I became more considerate about the environment and realised that straws can sicken and kill marine life and cause plastic pollution. Eventually, I dropped my habit of using plastic straws.

Kwok Tsz-yiu, 14, CNEC Christian college: Sticking with others and spending so much time with friends. I started to rely on myself and get independent as I got older. I learned that time is valuable and focusing on myself is important. Also, this can help you train and develop your abilities, since you don’t have other people to help you, and quiet time produces another level of relaxation within us.