I have noticed that many students in Hong Kong are becoming addicted to their mobile phones and increasingly immersed in the virtual world.

While mobile phones were invented to improve our lives, their overuse has led to problems.

One major issue is the negative impact on academic performance. Students who spend excessive time on their devices have less time to study, which correlates with declining test scores. To address this, parents could limit phone usage. This allows students to focus more on their studies.

Another concern is the deterioration of communication skills. When students rely on texting and emojis, they miss out on the benefits of face-to-face conversations. This can affect their performance in presentations, university interviews, and future job opportunities.

Schools can help by creating more opportunities for in-person communication during class and through activities that encourage verbal interaction.

Finally, students are often exposed to harmful content online. By teaching them how to evaluate the credibility of online information, schools can help ensure that students benefit from the vast resources available.

Should schools ban mobile phones on campus?

Rising space oil use

Anson Lam On-sang, Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School

I am writing to analyse the underlying reasons behind the increasing use of space oil among teens and to propose modifications to current policies.

A rising number of teens are buying and using space oil for various reasons. One significant factor is peer influence. Teens often perceive space oil as “cool” simply because their friends use it.

Another common reason for its use is stress. With academic pressure, family issues and other stressors, teens sometimes mistakenly believe that space oil can relieve stress.

While some may find it thrilling, the reality is that it offers no lasting benefits. Once addiction sets in, teens may experience emotional distress and anxiety when they do not have access to it.

To curb the spread of space oil usage among teens, it is necessary to increase the current penalties. Moreover, the police should collaborate with the government to conduct more random checks to prevent the clandestine distribution of space oil.

Space oil has been listed as a dangerous drug since February 14 and can cause serious physical and mental harm, including addiction, memory loss, seizure, unconsciousness and even death.

The increasing use of space oil among teens is driven by peer influence and stress relief misconceptions. Photo: SCMP

Healthy eating revolution

Katy Kwan Lok-yin, Tak Nga Secondary School

School tuck shops often offer highly processed, low-nutrition foods, which raises significant concerns.

Junk food leads to health problems and adversely affects students’ overall well-being. Foods that are high in sugar, salt, or trans fats increase the risk of heart disease and other issues, contributing to obesity and various health complications.

Therefore, schools have a responsibility to promote healthy eating habits and educate students about the importance of nutrition rather than selling junk food.

Furthermore, selling junk food at tuck shops can unintentionally normalise unhealthy eating habits. When students regularly purchase junk food, they may develop a preference for these items, rejecting healthier options like vegetables or lean meats. This can result in insufficient nutrition, slower growth, and potentially poor physical development. Additionally, these unhealthy habits might carry over into adulthood.

Lastly, although junk food may be a quick and convenient option for students with limited time for a full meal, its low nutritional value can negatively impact concentration, memory, and overall academic performance.

School tuck shops should prioritise healthy food options to promote better nutrition and well-being among students. Photo: Shutterstock

Risks of AI

Pan Zhixin, YLPMSAA Tang Siu Tong Secondary School

The use of AI is rapidly increasing in today’s world. However, this trend brings not only benefits but also several risks.

One significant risk is the potential for AI to mislead students. In the field of education, students may become overly reliant on AI tools, using them to complete homework without understanding the underlying concepts.

This dependence can lead to laziness and a lack of critical thinking skills. Moreover, if students ask AI questions related to their studies and receive incorrect answers, they may be easily misinformed.

Another issue is the economic impact of AI. As its usage grows, AI could contribute to higher unemployment rates.

Due to its cost-effectiveness and reliability, AI, including robots, may replace employees in performing simple tasks. Consequently, many workers could lose their jobs, leading to increased unemployment.

Furthermore, the widespread adoption of AI might widen the gap between the rich and the poor. Companies that implement AI save on labour costs and become more profitable. In contrast, lower-income individuals might struggle with unemployment and declining earnings.