With our economy rapidly rising, Singapore looks set for a promising future. However, despite our growing economy, more people are committing suicide. Why is that so? Could it being that our rising economy is bring about harmful side effects? I believe there answer is yes.
Our nation is experiencing a widening income gap over the last few years due to globalization and the growing economy. The rich, with all the opportunities to go global to start and expand their business ventures overseas, are getting richer. Whereas the middle-income and the poor are struggling to find a good and stable job to support their family. According to statistics, men and women in their forties and fifties have the highest suicide rate among the other age groups. At the age of about fifty, most people will start to retire. After retirement, these adults are most likely only able to find jobs that pay salaries much lower than their previous job. This is mostly due to the age factor. Adults around age forty to fifty are also known as the “sandwich” generation. They have to support both their young children and elderly parents. It is also at this age that they start worrying about the future and tend to face the greatest amount of work stress.
The other reason is our ageing population. As there are more elderly folks to look after, more people have to earn more money in order to support their whole family. This creates a growing sandwich generation. Also, Singaporeans males especially do not tend to seek for professional help. Rather, they tend to keep to themselves.
To solve this problem, I think, Singaporeans should start planning for their future early. This will ensure that they are financially prepared when they reach the sandwich generation. Also, if they show symptoms of harbouring suicidal thoughts or are emotionally depressed, they should seek professional help. Less they do the unthinkable.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3AHG%3APD&DB=ST%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28Suicide+Figures+Up%29%29.HD.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070813%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070813%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000037824@ST07
Friday, August 24, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Too Thin Teens
It is common knowledge that being fat is unhealthy. However, being skinny is unhealthy? Ironically, the answer is yes when a person is extremely thin.There are people who purposely chose to starve themselves. These people suffer from anorexia nervosa and the number of anorexic patients has increased drastically within a period of a few years. The majority of them, being teenagers.
We live in a world where millions starve. They fight to survive every second of their lives. Yet there are people who choose to starve themselves. Many think that anorexic patients are mad. But just like the millions who fight to survive, anorexic patients fight for acceptance. Before 2002 there were only about twenty to thirty anorexic patients. However, in 2006, there were two hundred cases. This is an extremely worrying trend.
There are many causes to anorexia. Peer pressure is one of the key causes to anorexia. Teasing students who are plump is being done so freely and commonly that it is deemed normal by many students. However, many students go overboard and do not realise the severity of their actions. To the victims, the teasing is a form of a great psychological torture and anorexia is a psychological brain disorder. Victims who cannot take the torture will then have to lose weight in order for their friends to stop teasing them. To them, that is the only way their friends will accept them. Therefore, this is commonly the spark or catalyst for anorexia to happen.
The other major cause is the media. Almost everything a teenager of this modern society does is affected by the media. They frequently compare themselves with famous actors and actresses like Nicole Richie who are setting waiflike looks as the new trend. This causes teenagers to think that being skinny is being trendy. Some even compete with their peers to see who resembles their idols the most. This is another case of seeking for social acceptance. If they are not skinny, they are not trendy and therefore are despised.
However, in the past students do tease their peers who are plump and there is also some form of media influence. Why then are the numbers only rising in the recent years? I believe anorexia is a clear sign of low self esteem and an increase in self consciousness among Singaporean teens. Teenagers want to be acknowledged of their existence. To do that, they look, speak and think based on how they want people to perceive them. They constantly “change” themselves by chasing the different trends in order to fit into society. After a while, they don’t even realise who they really are. It is like “removing” your face and changing new masks one after the other so often that you lose your face in the heap of used masks. This is also a lack of self confidence. They think that by being themselves, they will be despised. Low self esteem and feeling insecure is also clearly shown by the latest “emo” trend. Whereby teenagers feel that no one understands them, they are all alone and they will lose.
These worrying trends may be the result of “kiasuism”. Due to the fierce competition in Singapore’s education where everyone is afraid to lose out, those who do not do well are often not acknowledged by their teachers, students or even parents. Therefore, they seek for acknowledgment in non academic areas like sports or by being in the “in” group. This causes them to be more self-conscious. The need for acknowledgement makes them do whatever it takes to stay in the “in” group even if it means becoming anorexic. Also “kiasuism” makes teenagers afraid to lose and the though competition all the more makes it hard for them to win. This will result in teenagers having a low self esteem. They would start to idolize and long to be like the actors and actresses they see on media. If their “idol” does not set a good example, teenagers will follow suit.
Anorexia is preventable if parents instill the right value into their children. Teachers should look out for those who are often bullied in school. Parents should also always encourage their teenage children to speak up. Only then can parents find out what is going on in school, the group of friends they mix with and whether they are being bullied. In this way, we can better tackle the problem of the rising number of anorexic patients.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3AHG%3APD&DB=ST%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28Too+Thin+Teens%29%29.HD.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070812%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070812%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000037694@ST07
We live in a world where millions starve. They fight to survive every second of their lives. Yet there are people who choose to starve themselves. Many think that anorexic patients are mad. But just like the millions who fight to survive, anorexic patients fight for acceptance. Before 2002 there were only about twenty to thirty anorexic patients. However, in 2006, there were two hundred cases. This is an extremely worrying trend.
There are many causes to anorexia. Peer pressure is one of the key causes to anorexia. Teasing students who are plump is being done so freely and commonly that it is deemed normal by many students. However, many students go overboard and do not realise the severity of their actions. To the victims, the teasing is a form of a great psychological torture and anorexia is a psychological brain disorder. Victims who cannot take the torture will then have to lose weight in order for their friends to stop teasing them. To them, that is the only way their friends will accept them. Therefore, this is commonly the spark or catalyst for anorexia to happen.
The other major cause is the media. Almost everything a teenager of this modern society does is affected by the media. They frequently compare themselves with famous actors and actresses like Nicole Richie who are setting waiflike looks as the new trend. This causes teenagers to think that being skinny is being trendy. Some even compete with their peers to see who resembles their idols the most. This is another case of seeking for social acceptance. If they are not skinny, they are not trendy and therefore are despised.
However, in the past students do tease their peers who are plump and there is also some form of media influence. Why then are the numbers only rising in the recent years? I believe anorexia is a clear sign of low self esteem and an increase in self consciousness among Singaporean teens. Teenagers want to be acknowledged of their existence. To do that, they look, speak and think based on how they want people to perceive them. They constantly “change” themselves by chasing the different trends in order to fit into society. After a while, they don’t even realise who they really are. It is like “removing” your face and changing new masks one after the other so often that you lose your face in the heap of used masks. This is also a lack of self confidence. They think that by being themselves, they will be despised. Low self esteem and feeling insecure is also clearly shown by the latest “emo” trend. Whereby teenagers feel that no one understands them, they are all alone and they will lose.
These worrying trends may be the result of “kiasuism”. Due to the fierce competition in Singapore’s education where everyone is afraid to lose out, those who do not do well are often not acknowledged by their teachers, students or even parents. Therefore, they seek for acknowledgment in non academic areas like sports or by being in the “in” group. This causes them to be more self-conscious. The need for acknowledgement makes them do whatever it takes to stay in the “in” group even if it means becoming anorexic. Also “kiasuism” makes teenagers afraid to lose and the though competition all the more makes it hard for them to win. This will result in teenagers having a low self esteem. They would start to idolize and long to be like the actors and actresses they see on media. If their “idol” does not set a good example, teenagers will follow suit.
Anorexia is preventable if parents instill the right value into their children. Teachers should look out for those who are often bullied in school. Parents should also always encourage their teenage children to speak up. Only then can parents find out what is going on in school, the group of friends they mix with and whether they are being bullied. In this way, we can better tackle the problem of the rising number of anorexic patients.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3AHG%3APD&DB=ST%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28Too+Thin+Teens%29%29.HD.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070812%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070812%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000037694@ST07
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Taupok Terror EDITED. (experiencing some difficulties with blogger and cannot edit posts therefore i juz reposted it)
“Taupok” was a rather common occurrence in our school previously. In fact, we used to “Taupok” each other everyday. It was not until Mr Teo warned the entire school during morning assembly one day that “Taupok” incidents will not be tolerated. I believe the school only came to light about the seriousness of “Taupok” when my squash mate was injured.
To keep my friend’s identity anonymous, I shall call him B. B is rather small built for our age though he is one of the fittest squash players, his small stature was probably the reason why he was picked on. We were still secondary two then. One day, he was playing in class during the lunch break and all of a sudden, his classmates unanimously turned towards him and shouted “Taupok!” Everyone started pilling up on him against the pillar without having second thoughts about the consequences. Alas one student jumped on him and landed hard on his leg and B’s leg broke. This caused B to have his leg wrapped in a cast for the next few months. It was really a pity for him and a loss for our squash team as he was one of our key players.
For me, I disapprove of “Taupok”. Though it may seem fun, the consequences are dire. Boys are boys, they tend to get a little rough but “Taupok” is going over board. I think a slight whack on the arm is good enough. This case of “Taupok” reflects how the future generation of this society acts without reflecting on the possible outcomes. Everything to them is a joke. Everything should be taken lightly. Nothing should be taken seriously. Just like their attitude towards school work. Parents always nag about how not studying will affect your future but children just think of having fun now and leave future problems aside. They think worrying about the future is unnecessary. I believe this is the outcome of children being brought up in a comfortable society where there is nothing much to worry about as they are pampered by their parents. There was once, my friend was punished by the discipline master for playing his hand phone in class. My friend hurled vulgarities at him, then took out his phone and called his parents to come to school. What shocked me was, his parents instead of scolding him, threatened to sue the discipline master! This kind of upbringing is appalling. This is the reason why youngsters act without thinking as they always think that they will not get into trouble. There will be something to back them up.
Parents should always impart moral values to their children and let them answer for their own mistakes and not try to cover up for them. Only then, will the children learn to behave. Parents covering up for their children will only result in them believing that there are no consequences for misbehaving.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3ABY%3AHG%3APD&DB=NP%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28taupok+terror%29%29.HD.+AND+%28%28liew+hanqing+and+shree+ann+mathavan%29%29.BY.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070427%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070427%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000007250@NP07
To keep my friend’s identity anonymous, I shall call him B. B is rather small built for our age though he is one of the fittest squash players, his small stature was probably the reason why he was picked on. We were still secondary two then. One day, he was playing in class during the lunch break and all of a sudden, his classmates unanimously turned towards him and shouted “Taupok!” Everyone started pilling up on him against the pillar without having second thoughts about the consequences. Alas one student jumped on him and landed hard on his leg and B’s leg broke. This caused B to have his leg wrapped in a cast for the next few months. It was really a pity for him and a loss for our squash team as he was one of our key players.
For me, I disapprove of “Taupok”. Though it may seem fun, the consequences are dire. Boys are boys, they tend to get a little rough but “Taupok” is going over board. I think a slight whack on the arm is good enough. This case of “Taupok” reflects how the future generation of this society acts without reflecting on the possible outcomes. Everything to them is a joke. Everything should be taken lightly. Nothing should be taken seriously. Just like their attitude towards school work. Parents always nag about how not studying will affect your future but children just think of having fun now and leave future problems aside. They think worrying about the future is unnecessary. I believe this is the outcome of children being brought up in a comfortable society where there is nothing much to worry about as they are pampered by their parents. There was once, my friend was punished by the discipline master for playing his hand phone in class. My friend hurled vulgarities at him, then took out his phone and called his parents to come to school. What shocked me was, his parents instead of scolding him, threatened to sue the discipline master! This kind of upbringing is appalling. This is the reason why youngsters act without thinking as they always think that they will not get into trouble. There will be something to back them up.
Parents should always impart moral values to their children and let them answer for their own mistakes and not try to cover up for them. Only then, will the children learn to behave. Parents covering up for their children will only result in them believing that there are no consequences for misbehaving.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3ABY%3AHG%3APD&DB=NP%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28taupok+terror%29%29.HD.+AND+%28%28liew+hanqing+and+shree+ann+mathavan%29%29.BY.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070427%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070427%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000007250@NP07
sources
the article for "teacher target" is from: The New Paper, 2 May 2007
the article for "taupok terror" is from: The New Paper, 27 Apr 2007
the article for "taupok terror" is from: The New Paper, 27 Apr 2007
Taupok terror
“Taupok” was a rather common occurrence in our school previously. In fact, we used to “Taupok” each other everyday. It was not until Mr Teo warned the entire school during morning assembly one day that “Taupok” incidents will not be tolerated. I believe the school only came to light about the seriousness of “Taupok” when my squash mate was injured.
To keep my friend’s identity anonymous, I shall call him B. B is rather small built for our age though he is one of the fittest squash players, his small stature was probably the reason why he was picked on. We were still secondary two then. One day, he was playing in class during the lunch break and all of a sudden, his classmates unanimously turned towards him and shouted “Taupok!” Everyone started pilling up on him against the pillar without having second thoughts about the consequences. Alas one student jumped on him and landed hard on his leg and B’s leg broke. This caused B to have his leg wrapped in a cast for the next few months. It was really a pity for him and a loss for our squash team as he was one of our key players.
For me, I disapprove of “Taupok”. Though it may seem fun, the consequences are dire. Boys are boys, they tend to get a little rough but “Taupok” is going over board. I think a slight whack on the arm is good enough. This case of “Taupok” reflects how the future generation of this society acts without reflecting on the possible outcomes. Everything to them is a joke. Everything should be taken lightly. Nothing should be taken seriously. Just like their attitude towards school work. Parents always nag about hw not studying will affect your future but children just think of having fun now and leave future problems aside. They think worrying about the future is unnecessary. I believe this is the outcome of children being brought up in a comfortable society where there is nothing much to worry about as they are pampered by their parents. There was once, my friend was punished by the discipline master for playing his hand phone in class. My friend hurled vulgarities at him, then took out his phone and called his parents to come to school. What shocked me was, his parents instead of scolding him, threatened to sue the discipline master! This kind of upbringing is appalling. This is the reason why youngsters act without thinking as they always think that they will not get into trouble. There will be something to back them up.
Parents should always impart moral values to their children and let them answer for their own mistakes and not try to cover up for them. Only then, will the children learn. Or else, every time a child misbehaves, his parents cover up for him, soon he will believe that there are no consequences for misbehaving as whenever he misbehaves he does not get into trouble.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3ABY%3AHG%3APD&DB=NP%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28taupok+terror%29%29.HD.+AND+%28%28liew+hanqing+and+shree+ann+mathavan%29%29.BY.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070427%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070427%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000007250@NP07
To keep my friend’s identity anonymous, I shall call him B. B is rather small built for our age though he is one of the fittest squash players, his small stature was probably the reason why he was picked on. We were still secondary two then. One day, he was playing in class during the lunch break and all of a sudden, his classmates unanimously turned towards him and shouted “Taupok!” Everyone started pilling up on him against the pillar without having second thoughts about the consequences. Alas one student jumped on him and landed hard on his leg and B’s leg broke. This caused B to have his leg wrapped in a cast for the next few months. It was really a pity for him and a loss for our squash team as he was one of our key players.
For me, I disapprove of “Taupok”. Though it may seem fun, the consequences are dire. Boys are boys, they tend to get a little rough but “Taupok” is going over board. I think a slight whack on the arm is good enough. This case of “Taupok” reflects how the future generation of this society acts without reflecting on the possible outcomes. Everything to them is a joke. Everything should be taken lightly. Nothing should be taken seriously. Just like their attitude towards school work. Parents always nag about hw not studying will affect your future but children just think of having fun now and leave future problems aside. They think worrying about the future is unnecessary. I believe this is the outcome of children being brought up in a comfortable society where there is nothing much to worry about as they are pampered by their parents. There was once, my friend was punished by the discipline master for playing his hand phone in class. My friend hurled vulgarities at him, then took out his phone and called his parents to come to school. What shocked me was, his parents instead of scolding him, threatened to sue the discipline master! This kind of upbringing is appalling. This is the reason why youngsters act without thinking as they always think that they will not get into trouble. There will be something to back them up.
Parents should always impart moral values to their children and let them answer for their own mistakes and not try to cover up for them. Only then, will the children learn. Or else, every time a child misbehaves, his parents cover up for him, soon he will believe that there are no consequences for misbehaving as whenever he misbehaves he does not get into trouble.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3ABY%3AHG%3APD&DB=NP%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28taupok+terror%29%29.HD.+AND+%28%28liew+hanqing+and+shree+ann+mathavan%29%29.BY.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070427%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070427%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000007250@NP07
Teacher target
In the recent spate of incidents about students filming their teachers in class and posting them on YouTube, many people have voiced out their opinions whether students should be allowed to bring hand phones especially those with cameras to school.
For me, I disapprove of students filming teachers and putting these videos on YouTube. However, I do approve of students bringing hand phones to school. There are reasons to both sides of the story whether filming a teacher is right or wrong. People who approve of it believe that professionally, the teacher should not be afraid of being filmed, especially since he or she is not doing anything wrong. On the other hand, people who oppose it believe in respecting personal rights. In my opinion, personal rights should come above professionalism. According to professionalism, a teacher should not be afraid as long as she did not say anything wrong. However, the teacher may reveal something personal in class and does not want it to be shared. Also, humans are fallible. We do make minor mistakes sometimes. I do not think that such mistakes should be publicised. For example, you were caught cheating during an exam on video. Then someone posted the video on internet and said “don’t ever trust (your name)”, how would you feel? Teachers have the right to punish students accordingly. Students filming instances of teachers punishing their class mates then, crticising teachers are inappropriate.
However, I believe that banning children from bringing hand phones to school is not a good solution. Many parents would agree that children should still be allowed to bring hand phones to school in order for parents to contact them. Schools have responded to this view, saying students are free to use the school’s phone. However, it is impractical especially when the general office most of the time provides only one telephone for the student’s use. Some of my friends receive phone calls from their parents after school everyday especially during exam periods. I can imagine one long line of students queuing in front of the general office. Some students meet their parents after school. Therefore, the need for hand phones to contact their parents. People may say that public phones are available. However, they are rather hard to find. Using public phones to make a call is more expensive and many a times you will find yourself having to change for ten cent coins before making a call.
Then how do we solve this situation? Schools should implement a system whereby everyday, students will deposit their hand phones in a class safe depository before school starts. The lock combination to the safe depository will only be known to the teachers and the class monitor. Students will not be allowed to use hand phones during lesson time unless he or she has a valid reason that is approved by the teacher or monitor. Other than that, students are only allowed to retrieve their hand phones during recess, lunch or after school.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3ABY%3AHG%3APD&DB=NP%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28target+teacher%29%29.HD.+AND+%28%28lynette+lim+and+yeh+wei+xuan%29%29.BY.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070502%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070502%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000007563@NP07
For me, I disapprove of students filming teachers and putting these videos on YouTube. However, I do approve of students bringing hand phones to school. There are reasons to both sides of the story whether filming a teacher is right or wrong. People who approve of it believe that professionally, the teacher should not be afraid of being filmed, especially since he or she is not doing anything wrong. On the other hand, people who oppose it believe in respecting personal rights. In my opinion, personal rights should come above professionalism. According to professionalism, a teacher should not be afraid as long as she did not say anything wrong. However, the teacher may reveal something personal in class and does not want it to be shared. Also, humans are fallible. We do make minor mistakes sometimes. I do not think that such mistakes should be publicised. For example, you were caught cheating during an exam on video. Then someone posted the video on internet and said “don’t ever trust (your name)”, how would you feel? Teachers have the right to punish students accordingly. Students filming instances of teachers punishing their class mates then, crticising teachers are inappropriate.
However, I believe that banning children from bringing hand phones to school is not a good solution. Many parents would agree that children should still be allowed to bring hand phones to school in order for parents to contact them. Schools have responded to this view, saying students are free to use the school’s phone. However, it is impractical especially when the general office most of the time provides only one telephone for the student’s use. Some of my friends receive phone calls from their parents after school everyday especially during exam periods. I can imagine one long line of students queuing in front of the general office. Some students meet their parents after school. Therefore, the need for hand phones to contact their parents. People may say that public phones are available. However, they are rather hard to find. Using public phones to make a call is more expensive and many a times you will find yourself having to change for ten cent coins before making a call.
Then how do we solve this situation? Schools should implement a system whereby everyday, students will deposit their hand phones in a class safe depository before school starts. The lock combination to the safe depository will only be known to the teachers and the class monitor. Students will not be allowed to use hand phones during lesson time unless he or she has a valid reason that is approved by the teacher or monitor. Other than that, students are only allowed to retrieve their hand phones during recess, lunch or after school.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3ABY%3AHG%3APD&DB=NP%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28target+teacher%29%29.HD.+AND+%28%28lynette+lim+and+yeh+wei+xuan%29%29.BY.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070502%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070502%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000007563@NP07
Teacher Target
In the recent spate of incidents about students filming their teachers in class and posting them on YouTube, many people have voiced out their opinions whether students should be allowed to bring hand phones especially those with cameras to school.
For me, I disapprove of students filming teachers and putting these videos on YouTube. However, I do approve of students bringing hand phones to school. There are reasons to both sides of the story whether filming a teacher is right or wrong. People who approve of it believe that professionally, the teacher should not be afraid of being filmed, especially since he or she is not doing anything wrong. On the other hand, people who oppose it believe in respecting personal rights. In my opinion, personal rights should come above professionalism. According to professionalism, a teacher should not be afraid as long as she did not say anything wrong. However, the teacher may reveal something personal in class and does not want it to be shared. Also, humans are fallible. We do make minor mistakes sometimes. I do not think that such mistakes should be publicised. For example, you were caught cheating during an exam on video. Then someone posted the video on internet and said “don’t ever trust (your name)”, how would you feel? Teachers have the right to punish students accordingly. Students filming instances of teachers punishing their class mates then, crticising teachers are inappropriate.
However, I believe that banning children from bringing hand phones to school is not a good solution. Many parents would agree that children should still be allowed to bring hand phones to school in order for parents to contact them. Schools have responded to this view, saying students are free to use the school’s phone. However, it is impractical especially when the general office most of the time provides only one telephone for the student’s use. Some of my friends receive phone calls from their parents after school everyday especially during exam periods. I can imagine one long line of students queuing in front of the general office. Some students meet their parents after school. Therefore, the need for hand phones to contact their parents. People may say that public phones are available. However, they are rather hard to find. Using public phones to make a call is more expensive and many a times you will find yourself having to change for ten cent coins before making a call.
Then how do we solve this situation? Schools should implement a system whereby everyday, students will deposit their hand phones in a class safe depository before school starts. The lock combination to the safe depository will only be known to the teachers and the class monitor. Students will not be allowed to use hand phones during lesson time unless he or she has a valid reason that is approved by the teacher or monitor. Other than that, students are only allowed to retrieve their hand phones during recess, lunch or after school.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3ABY%3AHG%3APD&DB=NP%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28target+teacher%29%29.HD.+AND+%28%28lynette+lim+and+yeh+wei+xuan%29%29.BY.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070502%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070502%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000007563@NP07
For me, I disapprove of students filming teachers and putting these videos on YouTube. However, I do approve of students bringing hand phones to school. There are reasons to both sides of the story whether filming a teacher is right or wrong. People who approve of it believe that professionally, the teacher should not be afraid of being filmed, especially since he or she is not doing anything wrong. On the other hand, people who oppose it believe in respecting personal rights. In my opinion, personal rights should come above professionalism. According to professionalism, a teacher should not be afraid as long as she did not say anything wrong. However, the teacher may reveal something personal in class and does not want it to be shared. Also, humans are fallible. We do make minor mistakes sometimes. I do not think that such mistakes should be publicised. For example, you were caught cheating during an exam on video. Then someone posted the video on internet and said “don’t ever trust (your name)”, how would you feel? Teachers have the right to punish students accordingly. Students filming instances of teachers punishing their class mates then, crticising teachers are inappropriate.
However, I believe that banning children from bringing hand phones to school is not a good solution. Many parents would agree that children should still be allowed to bring hand phones to school in order for parents to contact them. Schools have responded to this view, saying students are free to use the school’s phone. However, it is impractical especially when the general office most of the time provides only one telephone for the student’s use. Some of my friends receive phone calls from their parents after school everyday especially during exam periods. I can imagine one long line of students queuing in front of the general office. Some students meet their parents after school. Therefore, the need for hand phones to contact their parents. People may say that public phones are available. However, they are rather hard to find. Using public phones to make a call is more expensive and many a times you will find yourself having to change for ten cent coins before making a call.
Then how do we solve this situation? Schools should implement a system whereby everyday, students will deposit their hand phones in a class safe depository before school starts. The lock combination to the safe depository will only be known to the teachers and the class monitor. Students will not be allowed to use hand phones during lesson time unless he or she has a valid reason that is approved by the teacher or monitor. Other than that, students are only allowed to retrieve their hand phones during recess, lunch or after school.
http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3ABY%3AHG%3APD&DB=NP%4007-07&QSTR=%28%28target+teacher%29%29.HD.+AND+%28%28lynette+lim+and+yeh+wei+xuan%29%29.BY.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20070502%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070502%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=2&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000007563@NP07
In the recent spate of incidents about students filming their teachers in class and posting them on YouTube, many people have voiced out their opinions whether students should be allowed to bring hand phones especially those with cameras to school.
For me, I disapprove of students filming teachers and putting these videos on YouTube. However, I do approve of students bringing hand phones to school. There are reasons to both sides of the story whether filming a teacher is right or wrong. People who approve of it believe that professionally, the teacher should not be afraid of being filmed, especially since he or she is not doing anything wrong. On the other hand, people who oppose it believe in respecting personal rights. In my opinion, personal rights should come above professionalism. According to professionalism, a teacher should not be afraid as long as she did not say anything wrong. However, the teacher may reveal something personal in class and does not want it to be shared. Also, humans are fallible. We do make minor mistakes sometimes. I do not think that such mistakes should be publicised. For example, you were caught cheating during an exam on video. Then someone posted the video on internet and said “don’t ever trust (your name)”, how would you feel? Teachers have the right to punish students accordingly. Students filming instances of teachers punishing their class mates then, crticising teachers are inappropriate.
However, I believe that banning children from bringing hand phones to school is not a good solution. Many parents would agree that children should still be allowed to bring hand phones to school in order for parents to contact them. Schools have responded to this view, saying students are free to use the school’s phone. However, it is impractical especially when the general office most of the time provides only one telephone for the student’s use. Some of my friends receive phone calls from their parents after school everyday especially during exam periods. I can imagine one long line of students queuing in front of the general office. Some students meet their parents after school. Therefore, the need for hand phones to contact their parents. People may say that public phones are available. However, they are rather hard to find. Using public phones to make a call is more expensive and many a times you will find yourself having to change for ten cent coins before making a call.
Then how do we solve this situation? Schools should implement a system whereby everyday, students will deposit their hand phones in a class safe depository before school starts. The lock combination to the safe depository will only be known to the teachers and the class monitor. Students will not be allowed to use hand phones during lesson time unless he or she has a valid reason that is approved by the teacher or monitor. Other than that, students are only allowed to retrieve their hand phones during recess, lunch or after school.
For me, I disapprove of students filming teachers and putting these videos on YouTube. However, I do approve of students bringing hand phones to school. There are reasons to both sides of the story whether filming a teacher is right or wrong. People who approve of it believe that professionally, the teacher should not be afraid of being filmed, especially since he or she is not doing anything wrong. On the other hand, people who oppose it believe in respecting personal rights. In my opinion, personal rights should come above professionalism. According to professionalism, a teacher should not be afraid as long as she did not say anything wrong. However, the teacher may reveal something personal in class and does not want it to be shared. Also, humans are fallible. We do make minor mistakes sometimes. I do not think that such mistakes should be publicised. For example, you were caught cheating during an exam on video. Then someone posted the video on internet and said “don’t ever trust (your name)”, how would you feel? Teachers have the right to punish students accordingly. Students filming instances of teachers punishing their class mates then, crticising teachers are inappropriate.
However, I believe that banning children from bringing hand phones to school is not a good solution. Many parents would agree that children should still be allowed to bring hand phones to school in order for parents to contact them. Schools have responded to this view, saying students are free to use the school’s phone. However, it is impractical especially when the general office most of the time provides only one telephone for the student’s use. Some of my friends receive phone calls from their parents after school everyday especially during exam periods. I can imagine one long line of students queuing in front of the general office. Some students meet their parents after school. Therefore, the need for hand phones to contact their parents. People may say that public phones are available. However, they are rather hard to find. Using public phones to make a call is more expensive and many a times you will find yourself having to change for ten cent coins before making a call.
Then how do we solve this situation? Schools should implement a system whereby everyday, students will deposit their hand phones in a class safe depository before school starts. The lock combination to the safe depository will only be known to the teachers and the class monitor. Students will not be allowed to use hand phones during lesson time unless he or she has a valid reason that is approved by the teacher or monitor. Other than that, students are only allowed to retrieve their hand phones during recess, lunch or after school.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Youths say: Stop Preaching About Sex
Youths nowadays dislike long boring speeches about abstinence from sex and see it as a form of “nagging”. “Stop preaching about sex.” “Don’t preach to us”, “Shut up”, “Not this again” – are some expression of message fatigue in response to campaigns about sex. Even the abstinence message could be harmful despite its good intention because it does not reflect reality. A survey conducted on 1383 secondary students concluded that students wanted to hear less about abstinence. Instead youths wants education to go beyond physical component of sex and into nurturing strong relationship. The survey also showed that 81.9 per cent of students had not spoken to any adult about intimate issues and 17.8 per cent saying that they perceive adults to be awkward with the subject of sex. Youths tend to be more rebellious towards “don’t do this message”. Organisations more likely to address these sentiments are peer-led programmes such as Youth Advolution For Health which uses peer influence to promote a healthy lifestyle. The most effective ways are informal. It’s more meaningful when friends talk to you than having a poster talk to you. I would have to totally agree with the writer.
I remembered my first sex talk during primary five, it was boring. Everything was factual. There were no testimonies of the plight of people who became pregnant after having underage sex. Therefore I could not comprehend what troubles underage sex will get you into. The abstinence messages should not just focus on abstinence but explain to students true love does not have to involve sex. Teenagers do want to talk about sex but they do not know how to. Discussions would be a useful tool. Debates are also a more fun approach to the topic. Many a times when my oral communications teacher asked for a debate topic my classmates would suggest “underage sex”. In fact our oral communications teacher, Mr Yeo, is one whom I would commend for being frank and open minded on such touchy issues. That was one reason why everyone in class looked forward to that period. Mr Yeo always shares with us his real life experiences on boy-girl relationships. He would also talk about some of his friends who contracted STDs. Sometimes classmates would seek his advice on what presents to get for a girlfriend or what is being romantic. Being an oral communications teacher, he truly engaged us with his stories and jokes which always drove home a point. I believe our schools should set aside one period every two weeks whereby an external counsellor would have an open floor discussion or debate on teenage issues. There will be no materials but rather it is like a student run lesson where students decide the topic. The counsellor basically acts as a facilitator sharing real life experiences and guides students in their discussions or debates. If adults are more open about the topic, teenagers will also be more open to discuss about the topic.
I remembered my first sex talk during primary five, it was boring. Everything was factual. There were no testimonies of the plight of people who became pregnant after having underage sex. Therefore I could not comprehend what troubles underage sex will get you into. The abstinence messages should not just focus on abstinence but explain to students true love does not have to involve sex. Teenagers do want to talk about sex but they do not know how to. Discussions would be a useful tool. Debates are also a more fun approach to the topic. Many a times when my oral communications teacher asked for a debate topic my classmates would suggest “underage sex”. In fact our oral communications teacher, Mr Yeo, is one whom I would commend for being frank and open minded on such touchy issues. That was one reason why everyone in class looked forward to that period. Mr Yeo always shares with us his real life experiences on boy-girl relationships. He would also talk about some of his friends who contracted STDs. Sometimes classmates would seek his advice on what presents to get for a girlfriend or what is being romantic. Being an oral communications teacher, he truly engaged us with his stories and jokes which always drove home a point. I believe our schools should set aside one period every two weeks whereby an external counsellor would have an open floor discussion or debate on teenage issues. There will be no materials but rather it is like a student run lesson where students decide the topic. The counsellor basically acts as a facilitator sharing real life experiences and guides students in their discussions or debates. If adults are more open about the topic, teenagers will also be more open to discuss about the topic.
link for newspaper article --
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Efficiency at the expense of resilience
Singapore is said to be able to face a wide range of national related security threats. She has been through times when communist riots were rampant and through crisis like the SARS period. Besides, our Armed Forces are amongst the most advanced, highly trained and disciplined militaries. We have also done an excellent job of convincing large international players like United States to have direct interests in staying engaged in the region. With respect to threats such as organized crime, pandemics or terrorism, Singapore is well served by national agencies. All these make Singapore amongst the best protected states in the world. However, is Singapore really safe? Is there a threat that could kill Singapore or render it vulnerable? I would have to agree with the writer and most probably say yes. It may even be an “inside job”. Which is the unhealthy mindset of being overly focused with efficiency and following business models, cutting all redundancies and leaving the most basic of core functions. That means, if a specific job requires only five people to accomplish the task and the original manpower is seven, being efficient would mean cutting away the two redundant people. This may be acceptable to a government which works in an environment of stability without rapid change or crisis. However, the greatest flaw in this system is that it is not adaptable in a time of crisis. The government should not address issues of efficiency but rather, issues of continuity and survivability in period of crisis or rapid change. A good government is one which adapts well and not one that is efficient. A country must have the surge capability and redundancies to ensure survival. For example, if our army were to cut down manpower to the bare minimum to function efficiently, we would be in serious trouble if war were to strike. The bare manpower that the army has may not be able to sustain the prolong period of war and where people have to work 24/7. The key indicator for a government is how well it survives a crisis or sudden turn of events, not how efficient it is. Therefore, a government should not set itself up to have indicators which measure success against goals that bear little resemblance to the real world crisis and change. Businesses go out of business quite frequently. This is not what the government or citizens want. A better future for Singapore greatly depends on both the overall strength of the government and the resilience of its people. By maintaining redundant capabilities in government and building a stronger civil society, Singapore can continue to face the future with confidence and security. Redundancies are like fats. People always think of cutting down on fats. However, they do not realise that they still need a certain amount of fats to keep them warm during an emergency and turn that fat into extra muscles when the basic muscles that you need in order to function efficiently has been exhausted.
link for newspaper article -- http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3AHG%3APD&DB=BT%3AST%4006-07&QSTR=%28%28efficiency+%29%29.HD.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20060910%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070210%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=1&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000004583@ST07
The Straits Times, Monday, January 29 2007
link for newspaper article -- http://enewslink.asia1.com.sg/brsweb/read_1.brsw?this=result&QDT=1&QFLST=HD%3AHG%3APD&DB=BT%3AST%4006-07&QSTR=%28%28efficiency+%29%29.HD.&DTSTR=%28%28PD+%3E=+20060910%29+and+%28PD+%3C=+20070210%29%29&PSZ=10&MAXL=200&SUMY=1&HLT=0&LSTN=0&ID=000004583@ST07
The Straits Times, Monday, January 29 2007
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