The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on the 8th that it will conduct the '2025 Youth Media Use Habit Diagnosis Survey' by the 30th.
The target of this diagnosis survey is approximately 1.64 million youths in the transitional stages of education, including 1st and 4th graders in elementary school, as well as 1st graders in middle and high schools.
The government has been conducting the diagnosis survey annually since 2009 to identify and support youths dealing with issues such as excessive media use and cyber gambling.
Personal counseling or group counseling is provided for youths who are overly dependent on the internet or smartphones. Additionally, if psychological or emotional difficulties are identified through further psychological testing, such as depression or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), comprehensive psychological tests and hospital treatment can be received.
The government plans to support up to 400,000 won for hospital treatment (up to 600,000 won for vulnerable groups). Youths deemed in need of intensive healing may also use residential healing camp programs.
Youths identified as at risk for cyber gambling will be referred to the Korea Center for Gambling Problems Prevention and Treatment to receive professional counseling services.
Choi Eun-joo, the youth policy officer at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, said, "I ask for the interest and cooperation of schools and guardians so that youths in need of help can be detected early and receive professional counseling and healing services to continue a healthy life."