I am writing to express my concern about the impact of authoritarian parenting styles on children's mental health. I think this style is common in Hong Kong, where students are expected to follow their parents' orders. A prime example is the pressure on students to meet their parents' academic expectations.
This way of thinking makes children overly dependent on their parents' guidance and hinders their growth. When they have to make decisions on their own, they feel confused and unsure.
Authoritarian parents often put undue pressure on their children to succeed academically.Photo: Shutterstock
Authoritarian parenting limits children's ability to interact with others. Not only do students compete fiercely academically, but they also struggle to maintain healthy communication with their peers.
With more open-minded parents, teenagers have more freedom to choose their career path. As a result, they feel more fulfillment in their chosen profession.
Some may argue that parental control results in greater discipline and productivity, but is it really worth the sacrifice for teens' mental health? It is clear that students raised with this parenting style struggle with independence, and it is essential that this method is recognized and addressed.
My father is annoyed by my social anxiety. What should I do?
Youth mental health issues
Hayley Chan, Pope Paul VI University
In recent years, the number of Hong Kong teens facing mental health issues has increased significantly. As the problem worsens, people are demanding answers and questioning the effectiveness of government measures.
One of the main reasons behind this problem is the highly stressful educational environment of the society. The education system focuses on exams, forcing students to study tirelessly to excel in their studies.
Unfortunately, many students prioritize grades over personal growth, resulting in intense pressure and limited awareness of their own mental health.
5 stress relief tips for mental health
The Education Department has allocated HK$80,000 to each local school to promote mental health initiatives. However, as a junior high school student, I don't understand the effectiveness of such a policy.
The mental strain on students stems from the complex and exam-oriented education system itself. Holding lectures and organizing activities to promote mental health can be helpful, but it does not address the root of the problem.
I strongly believe that this situation can only be effectively alleviated by implementing practical solutions.
Addressing the student mental health crisis requires more than just raising awareness. They need to talk about their problems and make changes to the system itself.Photo: Shutterstock
Details of waste charge plan
Terry King, SKH Keihau Secondary School
Hong Kong will soon be charging HK$0.11 per liter of garbage. Why is this measure so important?
First, we encourage citizens to reduce their trash by making them more aware of their trash disposal habits. For example, some people may choose to use towels instead of generating excess tissue waste.
Should there be a grace period for Hong Kong's waste levy plan?
Of course, there are obstacles to implementing such a policy. Illegal dumping may occur, with people disposing of waste in public using regular plastic bags without paying. This not only increases the burden on waste collectors but also reduces government revenue. To address this, governments can increase surveillance by installing more cameras.
Another challenge the government may face is public opposition. To address this problem, authorities can focus on educating the population, especially the younger generation, who are more likely to adapt to change.
In the long run, society will be cleaner and governments will be able to allocate additional funds to various initiatives. This measure will also encourage residents to shop responsibly and become more environmentally conscious.
deal with emotions
Fanny Liang Jifeng, Liangshizhe University
Have you ever suddenly felt hurt or upset by a harmless joke from a friend? You may be a highly sensitive person who tends to experience emotions, sensations, and perceptions more intensely than the average person. There is a gender.
As your sensitivity increases, you will be able to feel both painful emotions and pleasant emotions more strongly. However, living in a constant state of heightened sensitivity is not only harmful to ourselves, but also affects our interactions with others, making it difficult to establish meaningful connections.
If you suffer from high emotions, you may be a highly sensitive person.Photo: Shutterstock
Find an outlet for your negative emotions by recording your feelings, such as writing in a journal or talking with a friend. The process of expressing these emotions can help you overcome their overwhelming intensity.
Try to be actively aware of your emotions. If you find yourself emotionally overwhelmed in a situation that may not require such a reaction, try being proactive and allowing yourself some distance from the situation.
