Talking Points: Is it ever acceptable for a teacher and a student to have a romantic relationship?
Hate it when you can't talk back? Well, you can with Young Post. Have your say and share with students around Hong Kong
Jon Chan, 15, Pui Kiu College
Yes. The major cause of this debate has been and will be the values and principles of our society. As teachers are highly respected, there have always been high expectations of them where morality is concerned. But does this justify a ban on all romantic relationships between teachers and students? No.
There is no doubt that a romantic relationship between a minor and an adult is unlikely to be accepted by most people. Student-teacher romances were banned in the first place to protect students who aren't mature enough to take responsibility for such an involvement.
However, student-teacher relationships aren't always between a minor and an adult. Should the student be an adult, according to the law, he or she is entitled to enjoy the same freedoms as other adults. This includes the right to be in a romantic relationship with another adult, even his or her teacher. Adults can make decisions for themselves, and interfering in people's romantic relationships isn't the public's business.
Myka Marie Juliana Mabuyog Molo, 14, Tak Nga Secondary School
Of course not! Sure, people say: "If you love a person, age doesn't matter", or "People can't stop you loving who you love." However, I consider my school my second home. Therefore, I consider my teachers my second parents, and having a romantic relationship with a parent just seems so odd.
Also, if I ever had a romantic relationship with my teacher and one day we broke up, going to his or her class would be very awkward.
Snehaa Senthamilselvan Easwari, 15, South Island School
In my opinion, love should have no boundaries. A relationship between a student and a teacher should be acceptable as long as they maintain their professionalism within the school. A person's profession shouldn't determine who they're allowed to love and express their feelings for.
Yes, a student-teacher relationship may seem bizarre, but ultimately everyone has the freedom to be with whomever they want. However, it would be essential to maintain professionalism and avoid partiality at all times within the school or classroom.
Regan Lau, 13, Christian Alliance PC Lau Memorial International School
A student might have a crush on someone they met online, in school or in person. He or she might want to start dating, but students shouldn't want to date a teacher. The reason for this is the age difference.
Students aren't mature enough to think clearly, and they might end up getting depressed by a rejection from the teacher. And for a teacher, dating a student might ruin his or her professional reputation.
Catherine Wang, 16, Chinese International School
Teachers are bound to students by a contract of trust. Having a romantic relationship with a teacher breaches this trust in the teacher-student relationship, regardless of the matter of consent. Such a relationship could pose potential threats to the emotional well-being of the student, compromise the student's performance at school and open doors to further exploitation.
I would say that even past the age of 18, dating a teacher or professor is not an option. It should be avoided by students of any age.
In our next Talking Points, we'll discuss:
If you go out on a date, who should be the one to pay for it?
We are now accepting answers from readers for this new topic. To take part, email your answer with your name, age and school, along with a nice, clear selfie (make sure it's not blurry), to [email protected] by Monday lunchtime next week.