학생 정신건강, 검사가 아니라 사람이 지킨다 [기고]

The article discusses the growing issue of student mental health in South Korea, highlighting the increasing number of students who attempt or consider suicide. According to national data, suicide is the leading cause of death among teenagers, with the highest rate recorded since 1983. While various measures such as increased funding, specialized counselors in schools, and social-emotional education programs are being implemented, challenges remain. The 'Student Emotional and Behavioral Characteristics Test' (정행특) is used to identify at-risk students but has limitations, including low sensitivity and infrequent administration. The author emphasizes that early warning signs often appear in daily life rather than through formal assessments. Four recommendations are proposed: fostering family communication, training teachers to recognize crisis signals, encouraging collaboration between schools and families, and regulating digital environments to reduce negative impacts on youth.

Korean middle school students reported higher rates of depressive symptoms than high school peers for the third straight year in 2025, new data indicates. The Korean Educational Development Institute found that 26.2 percent of middle schoolers experienced feelings of depression last year, surpassing the 25.1 percent rate among high school students. This trend continued from previous years, with middle school rates exceeding high school rates in both 2024 and 2023. The institute defines these feelings as sadness or despair severe enough to halt daily activities for two consecutive weeks within the prior year. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for teenagers in South Korea. National statistics show the teen suicide rate reached 8.6 per 100,000 population, the highest level since records began in 1983. Between January and June of this year, 112 students killed themselves. Middle schoolers accounted for 43 of those deaths, representing 38.4 percent of the total. Last year, 244 students died by suicide, including 92 middle school students. Experts argue that standardized screening tools alone are insufficient to protect student mental health. Seo Wan-seok, president of the Korean Society of School Psychiatry and professor at Yeungnam University Hospital, noted that while government budgets and support systems are expanding, effective intervention takes time. Annual emotional and behavioral screenings target specific grades, including first and fourth graders and first-year middle and high school students. However, critics point out low detection power because students or parents may answer dishonestly. Additionally, the three-year cycle fails to capture rapid changes in a student’s condition. Seo emphasized that warning signs often appear in daily life rather than on test papers. He cited a case where a student appeared normal on screenings and served as a class officer before dying. Two months prior, the child withdrew from friends, skipped lunch, and frequently left school early citing stomach pain. The mother initially dismissed these as fatigue but later found diary entries expressing suicidal thoughts. She realized the physical complaints and withdrawal were critical signals. To address these gaps, Seo proposed four measures. First, families should maintain open dialogue regarding sleep, diet, and emotions, treating complaints like recurring stomach pain seriously. Second, schools need better teacher training to spot behavioral shifts, such as social isolation or grade drops, and clear pathways to counseling. Third, cooperation between home and school is vital, as parental denial often blocks professional referrals. Fourth, digital habits require regulation, as social media can exacerbate negative emotions in developing minds. Late-night usage and sudden account deletions serve as potential crisis indicators. A village-like community approach is necessary to save individual students.

2 reports

The HankyorehIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 90

학생 정신건강, 검사가 아니라 사람이 지킨다 [기고]

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the current situation regarding student mental health, acknowledging both the efforts made by the government and educational institutions and the existing shortcomings. It provides expert opinions and practical suggestions without overtly favoring any specific

Why factuality (85): The article provides specific data from the National Statistics Office regarding suicide rates among teenagers, citing the '2025 Year of Death Statistics' report. It also references the author’s professional experience as a psychiatrist and president of the Korean School Mental Health Association, l

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral and informative tone throughout, presenting facts and expert opinions without overt bias. It acknowledges both the progress being made in addressing student mental health and the limitations of current screening tools. The narrative includes personal anecdotes but fra

The Korea HeraldIndependentCenterOct 25

More middle than high school students in Korea experience feelings of depression: data

Data released by the Korean Educational Development Institute indicates that the percentage of middle school students in South Korea experiencing feelings of depression has surpassed that of high school students for the third consecutive year. In 2025, 26.2% of middle schoolers reported these symptoms, compared to 25.1% of high schoolers, continuing a trend observed in 2024 and 2023. The study defines 'feelings of depression' as persistent sadness or despair lasting at least two weeks that disrupts daily activities. Additionally, Ministry of Education data reveals that 112 students committed suicide between January and June of this year, with middle schoolers accounting for 38.4% of those deaths. Last year, a total of 244 students died by suicide, including 92 middle school students.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on statistical data regarding student mental health and suicide rates. It relies entirely on objective figures from educational institutions and does not engage in political debate, partisan advocacy, or ideological framing. The tone is informational and neutral, focusing on the

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

학생 정신건강, 검사가 아니라 사람이 지킨다 [기고]

2 reports

How each side covered it

progressive

center

conservative

How each side covered it

Covered around the world

Covered around the world

Claims check

Claims check

Keep the news honest.

Related stories

Under-25s with ADHD and anxiety could get discount gym memberships

Burnham backs mandatory suicide prevention training for social workers after parent-carer Matilda Davis’s death

Thane boy scored 96% in Class 12 exam but failed college test, died by suicide

An advertisement that stirs the spirits!

Increase in children avoiding primary and secondary school due to anxiety

[OPINION] ‘Violence’ in video games is not the problem, their social features are