A study undertaken last year found that 53.6 percent of adolescents with “arbeit” jobs – part-time or non-regular employment work – had signed employment contracts, a 29.8 percentage point increase compared to five years ago. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 18 (Korea Bizwire) — The legal processes that ensure the labor rights of adolescents are being better observed than before, according to Seoul city officials. A study undertaken last year found that 53.6 percent of adolescents with “arbeit” jobs – part-time or non-regular employment work – had signed employment contracts, a 29.8 percentage point increase compared to five years ago.
In addition, the number of parental agreement forms filled out also increased in the same time span, going from 40.2 percent to 57.4 percent.
Seoul passed a municipal ordinance in 2012 to guarantee the rights of young children and adolescents.
Other results from Seoul’s survey brought to light changes in awareness and mindset regarding the rights of minors.
Whereas less than half of Seoulites replied that they were aware of the rights of young children and adolescents in 2012, 57.9 percent gave a similar answer last year.
Three quarters of school teachers and public welfare center workers knew of Seoul’s 2012 ordinance, but only 39.7 percent of the subjects and their parents to which the legislation pertains were equally informed.
The legal processes that ensure the labor rights of adolescents are being better observed compared to years past, according to Seoul city officials. (Image: Yonhap)
Children’s attitudes on corporal punishment shifted somewhat, with a higher number professing disfavor with the practice. From 40 percent saying physical discipline was necessary in 2012, last year only 28 percent looked at corporal punishment positively.
Young children and adolescents believed that “creating an environment that respects basic human rights” is what is most necessary.
Seoul’s study was conducted during the months of June and July last year, with the participation of 4,252 respondents comprising young children, adolescents, teachers and public welfare workers.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
