LCQ21: Strengthening education on children’s self-protection

     Following is a question by the Hon Nixie Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (June 3):

Question:      The EDB has helped the Hong Kong Police Force promote the “Youth Crime Prevention Booklet” and “Child Protection Comic Book Series” through the EDB circular memoranda, and compiled the learning and teaching resource list to set out the related resources produced by other government departments and non-governmental organisations for teachers’ reference and use within and beyond the classroom. The above learning and teaching resources have been uploaded to the EDB webpage.

(5) The EDB attaches great importance to the professional quality of teachers and is committed to enhancing teachers’ professional competence through diversified professional development programmes and activities. The EDB has strengthened pre-service training for prospective teachers and have developed a guiding framework for teacher education programmes with teacher education universities, incorporating elements that promote the healthy growth of students. In addition, the current core training for in-service teachers covers two major categories, namely “Teachers’ Professional Roles, Values and Conduct” and “Local, National and International Education Issues”. “Prevention of School Bullying” falls under the category of “Local, National, and International Education Issues”. Schools can arrange relevant professional development activities for teachers according to their circumstances to enhance their knowledge and ability to prevent, identify and handle school bullying. To further enhance schools’ capacity to prevent and handle school bullying, the EDB continues to organise certificate courses on student guidance, courses for newly recruited student guidance personnel, and other related teacher training programmes, covering content related to school bullying.