Schools in Hong Kong are concerned about the increasing number of students skipping classes.

 

Figures from the Hong Kong Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB), reveal that the number of habitual truancy and non-attendance cases had increased from 1,790 in the 2000-01 school year to 2,117 in 2005/06.

 

Truancy and non-attendance were ranked second after disruptive behavior. More than 90 percent of the cases were reported in secondary schools.

 

School heads also reported many students were absent for extended periods.

 

Social workers warned that skipping school could give rise to social and other problems.

 

Gary Tang, supervisor of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, said the problem should be addressed immediately.

 

"Some of these youngsters could be spending too much time at computer game centers or hanging around street corners. They are vulnerable to undesirable elements," he said.

 

Tang said some of the youngsters find it difficult to adapt to the education system, which emphasizes academic achievements and was very exam-oriented.

 

Students are required to study Chinese, English, mathematics and other electives, such as history and physics.

 

"Some students cannot master these subjects well. They become frustrated and have low self-esteem. Eventually, they lose all interest in learning," Tang said.

 

The curriculum of schools should be diversified and satisfying, he said.

 

William Yip, a secondary school principal, said other factors, such as poor interpersonal relationships and parenting, had also contributed to the problem.

 

"This is a complicated issue caused by different social factors, such as parents being too busy to spend time with their children and the increasing number of broken families," he said.

 

(China Daily April 24, 2007)