Dear Editor,
I am writing to air my opinion about the low birth rate in Hong Kong. As everyone knows, the average family size has been declining in the past decade. Even for those families who have children, most have no more than two. It deserves our concern as a low birth rate can be influential to the whole Hong Kong.
Firstly, what leads to such a low birth rate? One reason is the weak sense of responsibility in a family. Nowadays, more lovers do not want to get married, just because they fear the restriction brought by marriage. Modern people pursue freedom and happiness in their lives, thus are not willing to bear responsibility. Therefore with this mindset, how will people want to give birth to children? Being a parent is a live-long commitment and a parent will have to care for his children until death. Such a holy and demanding role is far too heavy for modern people to play. That is why more and more couples simply want to enjoy a two-people family without the little ones.
Another reason concerns the economic aspect of raising a child. There was one TV program saying that it takes at least $5 million to bring up a child. In recent years, the economy has not been very healthy, on account of the strikes by financial crises and extensive health threats. Many adults, even with a decent job, can hardly save money for the next generation. It is understandable for people to refuse giving birth in view of such a high demand of having money for the baby. And that supports as well the fact that those families with one or two children already refuse to have more.
Many couples claim that whether or not they have a baby is their business, but it is in fact obvious the low birth rate is affecting more than those parents themselves.
One of the most significant consequences is the change in population trend. According to statistics, by 2031 a quarter of Hong Kong’s population will be 65 or over, which stems from the technological advancements in lengthening life expectancy, as well as the low birth rate. This situation is vividly described as an ‘inverted triangle’. In such trend, the younger generation in future will bear a heavy burden of supporting the elderly in society. Not only will they have to care for their own grandparents and parents, but they will also pay a large amount of tax to support the whole elderly population. Is it fair for people to leave such a great burden to the adults at that time?
Besides, a low birth rate will undermine Hong Kong’s own development. With fewer and fewer Hong Kong babies, many industries will suffer at the same time. Education sector will bear the brunt. Nowadays, more and more schools are forced to close due to the lack of students. After a decade or two, more industries in society will be adversely affected. Unemployment problem will soar by them and Hong Kong will face a lack of labour and talents. In such case, someone may advocate the immigration of labour. However, how can HK’s development depend on non-locals in majority? The drop in local labour force will for sure limit and undermine our development.
Then, what can the government do to boost the birth rate, in order to combat the present problem?
Firstly, it is crucial to address the economic and social concerns of couples. Therefore, it is suggested that the government should provide tax allowances or cash coupons to parents. It may not be of great use to parents. But it undoubtedly brings incentive. Further to it, the government can better the education system and extend the free education from the present 12 years to 15 years, including kindergarten as well. These measures help relieve parents’ worries about money and education.
Besides, the government should try its best to stabilize the economy and carry out more beneficial measures to the whole society. This deals with other worries of adults. Only when the adults feel that their basic problems are solved will they be carefree and willing to give birth. This may appear indirect, but it is indeed for the long-term sake of Hong Kong.
In conclusion, the low birth rate in present Hong Kong arises from the change in people’s attitude and worsening economy, and is likely to bring serious social and economic harm in future. Therefore the government should spare no effort tot boost the birth rate, for the benefits of everyone in Hong Kong.
Yours faithfully,
Ian Leung