New data reveals alarming mental health trends among elementary school children, with experts urging early intervention and greater parental awareness. (Image created by ChatGPT)
SEOUL, July 9 (Korea Bizwire) — The number of South Korean children diagnosed with depression has more than doubled in the past five years, raising urgent concerns about youth mental health and the need for early intervention.
According to data released Wednesday by the Elementary Teachers’ Union, the number of depression diagnoses among elementary school-aged children (ages 6 to 11) jumped from 2,066 in 2020 to 4,892 in 2024 — a 2.4-fold increase. The analysis was based on national health insurance data from the National Health Insurance Service.
Older children and boys were disproportionately affected. Last year, 48 out of every 100,000 six-year-olds were diagnosed with depression, compared to 309 per 100,000 among 11-year-olds — a more than sixfold difference. Boys also had higher diagnosis rates than girls, with 246 cases per 100,000 compared to 138 for girls.
“This trend suggests that emotional burdens and stressors intensify as students progress through the grades,” the union noted in its report.
The regional breakdown revealed a stark disparity. Sejong City recorded the highest rate in the country, with 782 cases per 100,000 children — more than three times the rate in Seoul (249) and significantly above figures in Busan (168) and South Chungcheong Province (141).
Jung Soo-kyung, head of the Elementary Teachers’ Union, called for urgent measures. “Early detection and intervention for childhood depression — including in the lower grades — must be prioritized,” she said. “Tailored support based on gender and regional characteristics is also essential.”
The findings come amid growing national attention to mental health in schools, as educators and policymakers grapple with the long-term impacts of academic pressure, digital environments, and social isolation on young children.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
