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The Education and Manpower Bureau has launched a designated website to help students develop a positive and persistent attitude towards adversity.

The bureau's Chief Curriculum Development Officer, Mr Cheung Wing-hung, said today (June 28) that like adults, teenagers may occasionally come under stress.

"There is bound to be anxiety as they grow up. They have to learn how to tackle problems positively and embrace the challenges ahead," Mr Cheung said.

The teaching and reference materials on the website address the difficulties faced by young people in relation to family problems, illness, academic performance, friendship and love, etc. Through case studies, stories, games, songs, role plays and discussion, students can learn to deal with their emotional problems and enhance their problem-solving and communication skills.

"It is natural that both positive and negative thoughts emerge when we are in the doldrums. People with negative attitude may feel desperate while people with positive thinking can regard adversity as a challenge. Teachers have to let students know that in order to overcome adversity, they should make use of their problem-solving skills, or seek assistance if necessary," he said.

Mr Cheung also encouraged parents to share their personal experience and make use of the on-line teaching materials to guide their children in times of adversity.

He said: "Parents play an important role in their children's growing up. Their experience in coping with adversity can help children develop positive values."

For details, teachers, parents and students may visit the website at http://cd.emb.gov.hk/mce.

Ends/Monday, June 28, 2004

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