Your Voice: Reasons for lying flat and why space oil is not harmless (short letters)

I am writing to express my feelings on the opinion piece “If Hong Kong’s youth don’t want to be dragons, so be it,” published January 26.

I agree with the author’s view. Parents place intense pressure on their children to succeed. Pursuing better schools and future success at any cost includes sacrificing mental well-being, a crucial part of our overall health.

This is an important issue. Subjecting the younger generation to this much stress may lead to adverse consequences such as an unhappy family life, despite parents’ intentions stemming from a desire for a better future for their children.

Adults should try to understand why the younger generation is “lying flat”; parents should think and reflect instead of placing all blame on their children for “not working hard enough”. It makes sense that young people are confused: can securing a better job while suffering from poor mental health truly constitute success?

In conclusion, everyone must consider the reasons our youth choose to lie flat before scolding them. We can open a dialogue with one another instead of immediately resorting to criticism, ultimately fostering a better community.

Survey finds nearly half of Hong Kong secondary students are ‘lying flat’ or plan to

Alexis Wong, Pope Paul VI College

We know the consequences of food waste include environmental degradation and economic loss, yet we continue to discard significant amounts of edible food.

One major reason is the disconnect between consumers and the food supply chain. Many people view food as a commodity rather than a valuable resource.

This mindset is compounded by marketing practices that encourage bulk buying and idealised food aesthetics, leading to disposing of perfectly good items that do not meet arbitrary visual standards.

Additionally, our lifestyles mean we usually purchase more than we need, despite good intentions. Our hectic schedules can lead to forgotten items in the fridge.

How can we make a difference? Mindful shopping, for example, involves meal planning and creating a grocery list to avoid impulse buys. This reduces food waste and saves money.

Learning how to store food correctly – such as using airtight containers or understanding the best way to freeze produce – can extend its shelf life. Purchasing “imperfect” fruits and vegetables can also help reduce waste. And finally, educating others about food waste and its impact can inspire collective action.

Hailey Yeung, Tak Nga Secondary School

Hong Kong’s education system is rigid and highly competitive. From a young age, children are constantly pressured to do well in school, with important exams – such as the city’s university entrance ones – pushing them to chase the best grades.

Many spend hours studying or in extra classes and after-school activities, leaving them little time to unwind or have fun. Students are essentially made to believe that success is only about good grades, which leads to anxiety and feeling inadequate.

Parents also play a big role. Many want their children to be excellent, forcing them to compete with classmates and making school feel like one big race. The constant competition is overwhelming and exhausting.

Some schools have taken steps to help students by discussing mental health and promoting a better work-life balance with breaks and fun activities. However, this effort might not be enough, as most students still believe grades are the only part of education.

It is vital to prioritise mental health and create healthier school environments. As we become more aware, collaboration will be crucial to ensure academic success and the well-being of students.

Your Voice: Redefining failure (short letters)

Ashley Lai Tsz-yan, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School

The rise in the use of space oil among Hong Kong’s youth has sparked significant debate and concern.

The substance – often marketed as a harmless alternative to more conventional drugs – is a synthetic concoction that delivers an intense high. Young people in the city have increasingly turned to this concoction, drawn in by its perceived safety.

However, leaders and health experts have cautioned about space oil’s potential risks, including addiction, seizures, loss of consciousness and memory – and even death.

Additionally, these substances are often unregulated, making it difficult to identify harmful additives that could jeopardise its users’ health.

The long-term effects and societal implications have prompted a call to action. It is essential for cities, not only Hong Kong, to address this emerging trend with proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities.

Education must also be improved, as an alarming number of young people are reportedly convinced that the drug is harmless.