Chinese teacher from TCHS

1) Do you agree that there are an increasing number of teenagers joining secret societies (gangs)?

Yes there are more joining gangs. Gangs here I refer to secret societies and other groups that are trying to portray themselves as SS(secret societies). You can see more and more of such gangs around new shopping complex like Tiong Bahru Plaza. They usually involve in group fights.

2) What do you think are the main reasons/causes for this situation?

The main reason could be classified under these few

a. Teenagers(T) need someone who can share their thoughts when they cannot find it at home

b. They seek sort of protection safe gurd from joining these groups

c. Friends influences

3) What do you see as the most terrifying thing that can result from the present situation?

Well more teenagers involved in such groups usually hang along arcade games centre and disco it is easy for them to become the target of real SS. That could result of many mistake, unmarried pregenancy and destruction in ones future especially when involve in drugs.

4) How do you think the school (teachers) can play a part in improving the situation?

a. The teachers must get the trust of the stuidents first, respect their decision and then try to persuade them out.

b. Be willing to spent time and attention on then more as a friend rather than as a teacher.

5) How do you think the family (parents) can play a part to improve the situation?

Family, stop scolding and start understanding them, give them supervised freedom, teach the child to earn for their own freedom, treat them a an adult, and discuss with them instead of commanding.

6) How do you think friends (peer pressure) can play a part to help improve the situation?

Friends of the positive kind can be more understanding and help them out instead of leaving them by the side , labeling them as "abnormal" or AH lian or Ah beng.

7) What other sources do you think can play a part in improving the situation?

Media yes, social group like youth challengers can recruit such T to join their activities.

8) Ultimately, what/who do you think is the most important, in helping the teenagers who are involved and those who are at risk of joining?

The most important thing is to understand their needs and help them to achieve before they seek it through the other extreme.

9) Which of the following ways do you think is more appropriate in dealing with the teenagers involved?

A. 'hard' - punishments, caning, Boy's Home etc.

B. 'soft' - persuasion, peer pressure etc.

Please state a reason for your choice.

B, soft approach-- only that will have a long term effect and make sure they are willing to change they will never change over night so you definitely need time for them to change.

10) If a student has involvement in secret societies but this does not affect his performance in school at all, what do you think a teacher should do?

SS might affect in terms of behaviour and attention. Well as a teacher first you must try not to see him as a SS member but give him a fair chance and treat him as a normal student. He will in turn treasure his chance of being treated normal and in turn respect you and willing to listen to your advice.