Video cameras are everywhere: schools, theaters and stores. But in recent years, they have entered our homes. Many parents set up cameras at home to watch their children’s online classes and homework. Are cameras really helpful? What do students think about it? We invited two students to share their thoughts.

Luo Yuzhe, 15, Gansu

When I was in Junior 2, I liked to lie in bed and watch videos instead of studying. This affected my studies and made my grades worse. So my parents set up a camera to keep an eye on me.

It worked. With the camera watching, I had to do my homework first and make plans for studying at home. When I was alone at home, the camera made me feel safe because I knew that my parents were watching on the other side. My grades improved after a year.

Zhao Xin, 15, Beijing

Earlier this year, my parents set up a camera in my room. I really didn’t like it because I felt like there were always eyes watching me. I felt so uncomfortable that I couldn’t sleep well at night.

Knowing there was a camera around, when my friends came to my home, they would speak quietly and carefully. We couldn’t have pillow fights. I was sad. So I asked my parents to take the camera away. They agreed it as long as I promised to behave well. I feel happy and free now.

Time management is the process of planning and controlling how much time to spend on some activities. Good time management allows you to complete more in a shorter period of time, reduce your stress, and leads to career success.

Some students work hard at their lessons, and often stay up late. However, it is not necessary to become a bookworm to be a good student. If you try to complete too many tasks at the same time, the most likely result is that you will be overwhelmed (击垮) in the hope of ‘catching up’.

The amount and quality of what you achieve are mainly dependent on how effectively (有效地) you manage your time. Here is some advice on how to better manage your time as a student.

Make a plan

There are many subjects that need to be learned and you need to do lots of exercises to practise. The best way to achieve success is to make a plan. This starts as a list of all the tasks for completing your goals. Write them down, for your memory is not as good as you think it is.

Next, colour tasks on your list to show their urgency (紧迫性). This allows you to know the tasks that you need to finish at once. Do only one thing at a time: the others can wait their turn. You will need to update (更新) your list regularly, but allow yourself to enjoy the pleasure of putting your pen through things that you have completed.

Beware of distractions (当心分心)

Using mobile phones or computers to chat with others or play games may help you relax but it is also a waste of time. Consider shutting them off completely as you work on a task that requires your full attention.

Learn to say ‘no’

Many business leaders put a lot of their success down to simply saying ‘no’. That is, they put their efforts in the few areas that really matter and have the courage to say no to everything else. Be realistic with yourself, and honest with others. Refuse the activities or tasks which you are not good at.

Give yourself a break

Taking breaks is good for your brain. Don’t be hard on yourself; you will actually do better if you take breaks. This might seem counter-intuitive with all those tasks on your list, but solutions to problems can come from a refreshed (清爽的) brain.

Succeeding against the difficulty and in the face of time pressure is one of the most valuable experiences you can offer to a future employer.