The Law Society of Hong Kong Concerns Ethical Standards and Prosocial Behavior of Young People

16 May 2011

(for immediate release)

The Law Society of Hong Kong successfully held its project 'Teen Talk' for the first time in 2010, attracting more than 1,400 students to participate in a whole-day discussion of topics on societal and personal values. For a better understanding of young people's views and opinions on personal and social values, The Law Society of Hong Kong in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has conducted a survey of students who participated in last year's "Teen Talk". 523 completed questionnaires were received.

The Law Society of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University announced the survey findings today (16 May 2011). The survey examined young people's moral standard, values, and pro-social behavior, as well as to identify the factors linked to the development of their prosocial behaviour characteristics. The survey findings revealed that the respondents think that the moral standard of young people is low (29%) or not high not low (40%). Over half (56%) of them think that the moral standard of young people is declining and are not interested in offering help to others or volunteering (prosocial behaviour).

The respondents of survey are Secondary 4 to Secondary 6 students from 32 different schools. The majority (69%) is female, and most (96.1%) are aged 15-18. The students who took part in the survey (as well as in the Teen Talk) were those with relatively good academic achievement and better conduct at school, and many of them also have greater interest in current issues.

Most participating students thought their own moral standard is not high and at the same time declining. 98.3% of them agree that one 'should not break the law', and 66.8% think 'hard-working is the key to success'. On the other hand, 31.8% thought that 'they can obtain happiness using money' and 63.8% expected that 'they would be worried about money'; 48.2% anticipated that "they will be forced to follow what others do (morally) in order to prevent being rejected". 18.9% agreed that 'as long as the ways being used to make money do not cause any harm to others; it does not matter whether it is legal or illegal.'

President of the Hong Kong Law Society, Huen Wong believes Law Society could help to increase young people's knowledge about law and enhance a positive attitude toward law-abiding. In the Press Conference today, he said: "It is important for young people to acquire knowledge in school, but they must not ignore the importance of moral standards. Legal boundaries of social behavior serve as the baseline for ethical standards. Legal and ethical standards are closely related, and we believe that we could strengthen the legal awareness of young people, we could also help to raise their ethical standards.'

He continued: "The results of the survey shows the "Teen Talk' can impart legal knowledge to the younger generation, and address the importance of ethical standards and attitude toward law-abiding. The Law Society is now planning to hold 'Teen Talk' again in the coming November in order to further increase young people's legal knowledge.

Students who participate in the survey generally had very few anti-social behaviors and most of them agree strongly with pro-social norms. However, they did not seem to put their values in prosocial actions of offering help or volunteering. In the past year, the most frequent prosocial behavior was 'helping with household chores" (Median of 7-8 times), donating money (5-6 times), helping classmates with homework (3-4 times). The respondents seldom participated in volunteer work or contribute to the school (1-2 times). Young people who have more helping and prosocial behavior, are likely to have high empathy, are mature in their moral reasoning, and have high identification with prosocial norms (helping others and contribute to society), and tend to disagree with pragmatic values. The education level of their parents also tends to be high.

Professor Daniel Shek, Chair Professor of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University points out: "When we are pragmatic and mainly focus on our own interests, it will be difficult to understand the needs of others and the value of prosocial behavior and sacrifice for the society."

Young people's ethics and values largely reflect the prevailing societal standards. This study found that young people believed that their own ethical standard is not high and it is declining. They identified strongly with pragmatic values and are not too keen about helping others or volunteering. It is likely that they could quickly 'adapt' their ethical standards and decisions in view of social pressure and incentives.

Dr. Andrew Siu, the principal investigator of the survey, said there is a need to reexamine the priorities we put on life education and the cultivation of prosocial behavior. To cultivate young people's ethical standards and prosocial behaviour, parents, teachers, and other institutions could help to promote empathy and moral reasoning in young people, guide them to identify with prosocial norms, and increase their the awareness and understanding of the law.

"Teen Talk" was firstly introduced by the Law Society of Hong Kong last year. Over 1,400 Form 4 or above students from HK Island, Kowloon and New Territories had participated in the event. They discussed topics on societal and personal values under the guidance of over 200 solicitors and professionals. The Law Society of Hong Kong hopes to arouse secondary school students' concerns on the society and to increase their debate and presentation ability.

Click here for the survey power point (chinese only)

Enquiry: Ms Fiona Ng/Ms. Valerie Cheung
Tel: 2846-0589/2846-0520
Email:dcom@hklawsoc.org.hk