Tutoring Industry Under Fire for Profanity-Laced Promotional Videos
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Multiple tutoring agencies in Hong Kong have been found using profanity, sexual suggestions, and violent imagery in their promotional videos on social media platforms, drawing sharp criticism from education experts and lawmakers who warn that such practices could corrupt young people. Former education sector legislator Kwok Ling-lai and Hong Kong Education Policy Concern Society chairman Cheung Man-bing have both urged the Education Bureau to strengthen oversight and publicly disclose the names of offending tutoring institutions. The Customs and Excise Department reported prosecuting 13 cases involving education sector unfair trade practices from 2021 to July 2026, with total fines exceeding HK$120,000 and one offender sentenced to 240 hours of community service.
Key Points
- At least one history tutoring agency was found using derogatory terms such as "pure maiden piggies" to describe students appearing in their promotional content
- The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department successfully prosecuted 13 cases of unfair trade practices by education institutions between 2021 and July 2026, with fines totaling over HK$120,000
- One individual received a 240-hour community service order, and victims received compensation ranging from HK$14,000 to over HK$70,000
- Former legislator Kwok Ling-lai has called for a tutor licensing system that includes criminal record checks and stronger penalties including license revocation
- Education Bureau spokesperson stated that monitoring is conducted on a risk-based approach with surprise inspections and complaint follow-ups