The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups has a centre dedicated to youth issues. The Federation conducts regular research among teenagers to check on the latest behavioural trends.

The Hong Kong government has a website dedicated to youth issues in Hong Kong: Click here

Below is information on:

Youth Organisations

Hong Kong has a number of youth organisations, among them the Scouts and Girl Guides.

• The Hong Kong Girl Guides Association
• The Scouting Association of Hong Kong

Some expatriate organisations have youth branches which organise their own activities. These include charitable associations such as the Hong Kong Lions Club.

There are a numbers of associations and organisations for teenagers in Hong Kong, however the websites are in Chinese.

• Hong Kong Youth Centre 
• Warehouse is a club for teenagers 
• The Hong Kong Boys and Girls Association
• Hong Kong Youth Association 
• Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

Sporting organisations

There are numerous sports organisations catering for youth. Many of these are co-ordinated by the government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Some sports clubs have English-speaking instructors and special youth sections (the Hong Kong Cricket Association is one).

Holiday Clubs and Voluntary Work

Some schools provide activities or trips during school vacations for their students, contact the relevant school for exact information. 

In addition there are many camps run by youth organisations. Parents can find details of activities and how to book via the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website's Holiday Camps section, which also has information about a range of leisure activities, specifically for teens

• For details on holiday camps: Click here

The Community Advice Bureau compiles lists of holiday activities for the summer break ( usually available from May onwards).

Older teenagers can get involved in volunteer projects. The Hong Kong University website has links to many volunteer organisations active in the region.

• For more information: Click here

Libraries

Public libraries have reading programmes and activities specifically aimed at teenagers, including English-speaking teenagers. They also support teenagers with their studies by means of literary talks and creative writing courses. There are downloads and references for teenagers working on school projects from the Hong Kong Public Libraries website.

• For further information, and details of how to join a library: Click here

Youth Employment

Full legislative details on youth employment are available on the English version of the Labour Department website.

Youth Employment is governed by The Employment of Children Regulations and the basic conditions are as follows:

• children aged under 15 may not work in any industrial undertakings
• children aged 13 and 14 may be employed in non-industrial establishments, as long as they continue to attend full-time schooling if they have not yet completed Form 3 of secondary education. There are other conditions which aim to protect their safety, health and welfare
• children aged 13 or under are prohibited from taking up any employment. However, the Commissioner of Labour may give special permission for them to be employed as entertainers for the purpose of art and training. Again conditions apply

In the Employment of Young Persons (Industry) Regulations, a young person refers to anyone over the age of 15 but under the age of 18 years.

• young people may work a maximum of 8 hours a day between 07:00 and 19:00 only
• they may work a maximum of 48 hours a week and 6 days a week
• after any period of 5 hours continuous work they must be allowed at least a half-hour break
• they may not work overtime or do night work and must be allowed statutory holidays
• the work has to be suitable for their age and physical development, therefore work in certain industrial firms carrying heavy loads, for example, would be prohibited

Everyone has these rights regardless of their nationality.

Driving

No one may drive in Hong Kong without a valid driving licence. Only those over 18 are allowed a licence for cars and motorcycles. There is a separate licence for each. 18-year-olds may ride a motorcycle (50cc maximum) with a provisional licence. Application for a first driving licence must be made to the Licensing Office. 

• For information on how to apply for a first licence, see AngloINFO INFOrmation Page How to Get a Driving Licence in Hong Kong
• More information from the Department of Transport website: Click here

Hong Kong is a busy and often congested place to drive. There are tough penalties for dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There is a maximum level of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

Teenagers and Alcohol

The Department of Health organises and funds various initiatives aimed at combating health problems associated with alcohol, tobacco and drugs. It maintains a website, Health Zone, which provides information and advice on health issues.

• Health Zone – Central Health Education Unit website

Adolescents are specifically dealt with by the Student Health Service. Its website contains articles on drugs, alcohol, sex education and piercing which may be of use to parents with teenagers.

• Student Health Service website

There are high levels of tax on beer and wine (although these have been cut in recent times) which has traditionally made it expensive to drink. Not surprisingly, surveys have shown that only a small percentage of the population drinks regularly. Under 18s are not allowed to buy alcohol, and while bars and clubs are fairly stringent in checking the age of clients via ID cards, supermarkets and convenience stores almost never do. Recent surveys by youth organisations report that under-age drinking is on the rise in Hong Kong.

English-speaking residents can also consult the Community Advice Bureau on a whole range of topics including issues regarding alcohol and drugs. Alcoholics Anonymous has a branch and meetings in Hong Kong.

Teenagers and Drugs

Hong Kong tries to educate its young people about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other substances. However, drug abuse has long been a problem, with heroin the main drug consumed. In spite of concerted efforts by the police and the Customs and Excise Department the drugs continue to arrive in Hong Kong and are easily obtainable.

The Action Committee against Narcotics (ACAN) advises the government on its anti-drug strategy and programmes. The Government's overall strategy to counter drug trafficking and eliminate drug abuse from the community is made up of five elements: legislation and law enforcement, preventive education and publicity, treatment and rehabilitation, research and international cooperation. Recent government research has highlighted increased levels of drug use among young people – in particular the use of mind-altering substances at discos and parties.

Supplying drugs is illegal and there have been changes to legislation which mean that those who target young people are more severely punished than before. Those found in possession of drugs are also likely to face prosecution.

• For more information on the legislation see the Government Narcotics Division website

For those who become addicted or who need further advice there are various support groups and clinics. These are either medical in nature, in which case they come under the remit of the Department of Health, or more psychological in their approach to rehabilitation and these are looked after by the Social Welfare Department. Concerned parents should approach either of these bodies or the Student Health Service for advice and support.

Teenage Pregnancy and Sexual Health

Teenagers will be provided with information and advice as part of the Student Health Service programme but given the recent rise in teenage pregnancies there is criticism that this isn't working. Youngsters in Hong Kong are encouraged to adopt a mature and sensible approach to growing up and will receive details of where to get help. For example they can consult the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong in the event of an unplanned pregnancy.

Mother's Choice is a non profit organisation with a pregnant girls' service offering counselling services to girls facing an unplanned pregnancy. 

• Mother's Choice
  At: 42B Kennedy Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong.
  Hotline Tel: 2868 2022 Monday to Sunday from 09:00-22:00. Telephone counselling is available Monday to Friday from 09:00-17:30
  Fax: 2537 7681
  e-mail
  Website

Termination of pregnancy in Hong Kong is regulated according to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Ordinance. Two medical practitioners must agree that the termination can go ahead subject to certain conditions. Basically these involve physical and mental health risk to the pregnant woman, health issues with the unborn child, a woman under 16 years of age or a woman who has been the victim of rape, incest for example, which has been reported to the police.

• Details of the options in the event of an unplanned pregnancy from the Family Planning website: Click here

Legal termination of pregnancy cannot be performed after 24 weeks unless essential to save the pregnant woman's life. All terminations must be performed in government specified hospitals or the operating theatres of the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, and by registered doctors.

There is evidence that many women choose to have abortions in neighbouring Shenzhen where procedures are much simpler and faster.

• The Sexuality Education website has useful articles and links
• The Teen AIDS organisation offers advice
• See also AngloINFO INFOrmation Page: Abortion / Termination of Pregnancy in Hong Kong

Further Information

• Hong Kong Public Libraries
• Hong Kong Government Narcotics Division

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