Your Voice: Importance of tolerance in political discussions; life lessons from the Hong Kong Marathon (short letters)

In a world where wars are raging, it is clear that we can’t ignore politics. Expressing our opinions on political matters can often lead to clashes. Here are my thoughts on expressing opinions during times of conflict caused by differing ideologies.

Value critical thinking. Don’t believe everything you hear without evidence. Research using reliable sources, and remember there are shades of grey. For example, in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both sides have committed immoral acts. Instead of taking sides, focus on the suffering of civilians.

Fake news? How to check your bias before you share news on social media

While discussing politics, heated arguments can damage relationships. Remember that everyone is entitled to their opinions. Listen to others, try to understand their perspective and avoid letting emotions take over.

Even if you strongly believe in something, be open to different voices. Society thrives because of diverse views.

By embracing critical thinking, respect and patience, we can all lead more peaceful lives.

Choi Yan-hei, Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School

I recently participated in my first Hong Kong Marathon and it was a truly eye-opening experience.

A well-known marathon runner, Peter Chan, once said that running a marathon is not just about physical strength, but also about being mentally strong. We may doubt our ability to finish the race, but it is all about not giving up. The perseverance we learn from running a marathon can be applied to our daily lives.

Marathons also give us an opportunity to connect with new people and expand our social network. If you are shy, joining a marathon can be a great way to make new friends.

By observing others during the marathon, you can also learn about different personalities and problem-solving approaches. Some are content with completing half the race, while others may compare their performance to others.

I encourage those of you who have never taken part in a marathon to try it out. It will test your perseverance, help you meet new people and bring you closer to your life goals.

Selket Leung, Pope Paul VI College

Poor mental health among students in Hong Kong has become a pressing issue. The education system, characterised by excessive memorisation and intense competition, adds to their burden.

Hong Kong parents are known to demand perfection and push their children to achieve top grades. They enrol them in numerous extracurricular activities, believing it is one way to demonstrate love and care. Peer competition also intensifies as parents frequently compare their children’s achievements.

Hong Kong’s Education Bureau gives HK$80,000 grant to local schools for mental health awareness

Thankfully, there is growing awareness of student pressure in society. The government established the Task Force on Prevention of Youth Suicides in 2016 to address mental health concerns and provide support. Recently, a three-tier support model was introduced, which raises public awareness of mental health, identifies and assists at-risk students and focuses on students with mental health issues.

We can all play a role in helping students in need by offering timely support and encouragement. Seeking assistance from trusted individuals can provide further aid. Ultimately, our goal is to let students know that they are not alone and that support is available.

Ho Chung-yau, Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial College

Perhaps many of you think that animated movies or shows are childish, but they are much more meaningful than you realise.

Animated works often tackle complex themes and address universal human experiences, such as friendship, love, self-discovery and societal issues. Even some of the characters and storylines can be sources of inspiration and personal growth, which can help us develop critical thinking and empathy.

Why teens love animated TV shows and movies

Many characters in animated works are animals, and scenes can be imaginative but unrealistic. However, they remind us to stay innocent and pure. Everyone will agree that life is hard and sometimes cruel, but we can find a bit of comfort from being in that fantasy world.

A character like Doraemon represents peace and idealism, while the film Spirited Away conveys personal growth through adventure. These works encourage me to see the brighter side of things and inspire me to overcome my difficulties.

Next time you watch animated videos, you can think about the message the story wants to deliver rather than just deriving entertainment. You’ll quickly see that there’s more to the eye.