South Korea is grappling with a concerning rise in youth gambling, particularly among elementary school students, even as the nation implements stricter regulations on smartphone use in schools. These seemingly disparate issues – one a public health concern, the other an attempt to address educational focus – highlight a complex interplay of societal pressures and technological access impacting the country’s young people.
A recent survey conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency between October and December of last year revealed that 2% of elementary school children in South Korea have engaged in some form of gambling. This represents a 0.6% increase from the previous year, though authorities acknowledge the change could be attributed to more comprehensive data collection efforts. The survey encompassed 34,779 students across elementary, middle and high schools in Seoul.
The data paints a worrying picture of early exposure. A significant 21% of students surveyed reported witnessing gambling activities among their peers. Peer pressure appears to be a major driver, with 40% of young gamblers admitting they were initially encouraged to participate by friends. The accessibility of online platforms is exacerbating the problem, as three-quarters of youth gamblers are engaging in online betting, often focused on esports events. Here’s particularly troubling given that online gambling is illegal in South Korea.
The rise in youth gambling coincides with a broader crackdown on smartphone use in schools. A new law, passed on , bans the use of mobile phones and smart devices during class hours, effective from the next school year beginning in . The legislation, a bipartisan effort, aims to combat smartphone addiction and improve academic performance. Lawmakers, parents, and educators believe excessive phone use detracts from studying and negatively impacts students’ concentration.
While the smartphone ban has garnered support, it also faces skepticism, particularly from students questioning its practicality and whether it addresses the underlying causes of addiction. South Korea isn’t alone in implementing such measures; Finland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and China have all introduced restrictions on phone use in schools to varying degrees. However, South Korea is among the first to codify a nationwide ban into law.
The concern over smartphone addiction is well-founded. A 2024 government survey indicated that nearly a quarter of South Korea’s 51 million citizens are overly reliant on their phones. This figure jumps to 43% for those aged 10 to 19, and has been steadily increasing over time. More than a third of teenagers report struggling to control their social media usage.
The government’s focus on curbing smartphone use and addressing youth gambling reflects a broader anxiety about the pressures facing young South Koreans. Recent reporting has highlighted the intense academic competition and the pervasive “cram school” culture, which the country’s human rights commission has deemed a violation of preschoolers’ rights due to the high-stakes testing involved. This environment, coupled with readily available online gambling platforms, creates a vulnerable landscape for young people.
Law enforcement is actively targeting illegal gambling operations. Late last month, South Korean authorities dismantled a $1.4 billion illegal gambling ring, arresting 23 individuals, including the ringleader. This bust underscores the scale of the problem and the challenges in curbing illicit activities, particularly those accessible online.
The convergence of these issues – rising youth gambling, smartphone addiction, academic pressure, and illegal gambling rings – suggests a need for a multifaceted approach. While the smartphone ban aims to address one aspect of the problem, tackling the root causes of gambling addiction and providing support for vulnerable youth will require a more comprehensive strategy. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s increased outreach and data collection are a step in the right direction, but further investment in prevention programs and responsible gaming education will be crucial.
The situation also raises questions about the role of esports in attracting young gamblers. With 75% of youth gamblers participating in online betting on esports events, the industry faces scrutiny. While esports itself is a legitimate form of entertainment and competition, its association with illegal gambling poses a significant risk to underage individuals.
As South Korea navigates these challenges, the nation’s response will likely be closely watched by other countries grappling with similar issues. The combination of strict regulations, law enforcement efforts, and public awareness campaigns will be critical in protecting the well-being of its young citizens.
