Why badminton has become code for teen sex in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, badminton is a sport that many people enjoy, but recently it has taken on a new meaning due to some teaching materials released by the Education Bureau. These materials suggested that teenagers who wanted to engage in romantic activities could instead 'go out to play badminton together. ' This suggestion has sparked a lot of discussions and even jokes on social media, as many people feel that the Education Bureau is out of touch with the realities of young people's lives. The materials also included a form called 'My Commitment,' which encourages young people to promise to practice 'self-discipline, self-control, and resistance to pornography. ' This has led to a wave of humorous comments online, with one Instagram user joking, 'FWB [Friends with benefits]? Friends with badminton,' which received over 1,000 likes. Another comment humorously compared the phrase 'Netflix and chill' to 'play badminton together,' which was shared more than 500 times. Even professional badminton player Tse Ying Suet joined in on the fun, questioning whether everyone was genuinely interested in badminton.

The reaction to the Education Bureau's materials has been mixed, with many people criticizing the suggestion as unrealistic. Local lawmaker Doreen Kong expressed her concerns, stating that the documents show a lack of understanding of young people's needs. She pointed out that it would be impractical for teenagers to spontaneously grab a badminton racket if they wanted to spend time together. Thomas Tang, an amateur badminton player, shared his embarrassment over the jokes surrounding the sport. He noted that badminton was once seen as a healthy activity, but now it has become a source of humor. He also mentioned that badminton could actually be a great way for young men to meet young women. The Education Bureau's documents aimed to help students learn how to manage their feelings and impulses regarding romance and attraction. They clarified that the lessons were not intended to promote dating or sexual behavior. Suggested activities included advising students to 'dress appropriately' to maintain a healthy image and to avoid wearing revealing clothing. Additionally, they encouraged students to 'firmly refuse sex before marriage' if they felt unprepared for the consequences of premarital sex.

Education Secretary Christine Choi has stood by the materials despite the backlash. In an interview, she stated, 'We wish to protect the teenagers,' emphasizing that it is illegal for adults to engage in sexual activities with minors. She received support from the city's leader, John Lee, who acknowledged that while there may be differing opinions on education, the government plays a crucial role in shaping the society they want to build. However, some parents, like Henry Chan, who has a 13-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son, find these efforts to be absurd. He remarked, 'The Hong Kong government is always out of touch. They are making a fool of themselves. ' Chan and his wife believe that they should take charge of their children's sex education rather than relying on schools or the government.