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Youth smartphone usage reaches over 80%
Korea's youth is becoming evermore addicted to their smartphones,... while at the same
time,... distancing themselves from family and friends.
The latest government report sparks grave concern as suicides among teenagers and young
adults are also sharply rising. Our Paul Yi... takes a look. Teenagers in
Korea are glued to their smartphones for longer periods of time and in greater numbers than
ever before. According to Statistics Korea and the Ministry
of Gender Equality and Family, over 80 percent of young people nationwide aged between 12
and 19 reported using a smartphone in 2012. The spike in usage represents nearly a 100
percent increase from the previous year, with the average young person spending more than
two-and-a-half hours on their mobile device every day.
And at the same time, these students are becoming more distant with their families.
The government survey results showed that only about 30 percent of adolescents said
they spoke to their family sometimes, if at all.
When faced with troubles in their life, nearly half of the respondents say they talk with
friends to work out problems, followed by those who resolve their issues alone, while
less than 22 percent consult with their parents. It's leaving many young people feeling that
they have no one to turn to.
Suicide was found to be the leading cause of death among those between the ages of 15
and 24 in 2011, at a rate of 13 per 100-thousand individuals.
Over 10 percent in the same age group reported thinking about suicide at least once a year.
The academic pressure was the most common reason to commit suicide, followed by family
conflicts, and economic difficulties. The weakening social support net is leaving
more young people falling through the gaps, prompting many to ask if the cost of perfect
test-scores and a cut-throat education system is far too high.
Paul Yi, Arirang News