HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 April 2026 - Save the Children Hong Kong has officially launched the "Safe Start for Little Seed" campaign. Beyond legal protections, the initiative aims to cultivate a "Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse" culture and plant the "soil for safe sprouting" across society, ensuring that children's safety remains the top priority anytime, anywhere.

The campaign is strongly supported by "Down-to-earth Grandma" Alice Fung, singer-songwriter and new father Phil Lam, Time Still Turns the Pages child star Sean Wong, and celebrity mother Grace Chan. In addition to sharing personal insights on positive parenting, they are calling on the public to sign the petition and become a "Seed Guardian" to protect children.

While the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, which came into effect earlier this year, requires 25 categories of professionals to report suspected abuse, Save the Children Hong Kong believes the law is only the baseline. For children to truly grow up with peace of mind, community-wide participation is essential. "Safe Start for Little Seed" begins with positive parenting and non-violent communication within the home, extending to schools and child-service organisations. Through Child Safeguarding Services and workshops, the campaign enhances the awareness and practical skills of frontline personnel in NGOs, schools, and sports centres. Parents, neighbours, coaches, and tutors can all become "Seed Guardians" by identifying risks early, showing active care, and knowing how to seek help.

Save the Children Hong Kong also reiterated that while mandatory reporting laws are in place, there is room for policy improvement. This includes gradually expanding mandatory reporting obligations to all roles and professionals who work with children, institutionalising safeguarding training within relevant tertiary curricula, and conducting regular staff training across organisations. The government should review its policies in a timely manner to ensure that children's safety is fully protected.

Many parents in Hong Kong face heavy work pressure. When faced with a child's sudden needs—such as illness or emotional outbursts—they may resort to shouting or physical discipline out of frustration. However, harsh reprimands or corporal punishment only lead to short-term compliance and fail to help children understand the reasons behind their behaviour, potentially damaging the foundation of trust in the long run.

Veteran actress Alice Fung shared in a campaign video that she once used physical discipline when her son was young. She recalled slapping him after he ran into the road out of fear for his safety, admitting, "It was actually my own fear." When her son was seven, he was injured while playing; as she raised her hand to discipline him, he said, "Mommy, please don't hit me anymore, I'm already in a lot of pain." This was a wake-up call for her. Since then, she chose reasoning over physical punishment. "He is in his fifties now, and we are still very good friends," she said.

Singer-songwriter Phil Lam mentioned that although his parents were strict, they never used corporal punishment. He credits their trust and support for allowing him to find his own path, a philosophy he now applies to his 18-month-old son. Using the example of weaning his son off a pacifier, Phil said, "I told him the pacifier is only for sleeping. Since you aren't sleeping now, why not give it back to me? Although he didn't fully understand, he thought about it and let go." Phil was surprised by the results, adding, "Don't assume children don't understand. They understand a lot." He reminded parents, "When children feel loved, they feel safe and confident to explore the world."

Sean Wong, the 14-year-old actor who portrayed a child under immense pressure in the film Time Still Turns the Pages, understands how a single word can leave a lasting mark. In reality, Sean is thankful his parents do not pressure him heavily regarding academics. During stressful exam periods, his mother takes him to flower markets or food fairs to relax. Recognising his luck, Sean noted the struggles of his peers: "I see classmates who get high grades but aren't happy. They feel they've disappointed their parents." He added: "I hope parents can see things from a child's perspective—knowing that they've tried their best, then praising and encouraging them. That would take so much pressure off us."

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