The ministry noted the portion of young students vulnerable to Internet and smartphone addiction has been on the rise in recent years, increasing from 14.3 percent in 2017 to 15.2 percent in 2018. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 14 (Korea Bizwire) — Sixteen percent of young South Korean students are at risk of smartphone or Internet addiction, a poll released by the government said Tuesday.
According to the survey of 1,286,567 fourth, seventh and 10th graders by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, 206,102 students, or 16 percent, were found to be at risk of overdependence on smartphones or the Internet.
A total of 154,407 students were vulnerable to addiction to the Internet, with 123,607 students in danger of smartphone addiction, it said.
It said 71,912 students were in danger of overdependence on both smartphones and the Internet.
The ministry noted the portion of young students vulnerable to Internet and smartphone addiction has been on the rise in recent years, increasing from 14.3 percent in 2017 to 15.2 percent in 2018.
Ministry officials said the popularity of one-person media, live broadcasts, YouTube and other changes in the media content sector have all contributed to the young students’ growing addiction to smartphones and the Internet.
They said the ministry will offer various treatment programs and consulting services for youths vulnerable to digital addiction.
(Yonhap)
