“Internet gambling, cyber violence ... Let’s protect young people from harmful environments”

[Financial News] Government agencies and the private academy sector are joining forces to prevent internet gambling, drug misuse and cyber violence that threaten young people, and to create a safe educational environment.
The Korea Association of Private Institutes announced on the 22nd that it will hold the “4th National Student Culture Competition,” with support from the Ministry of Education and other relevant organizations.
The competition is a public-interest event designed to help students experience firsthand the dangers of environments harmful to young people and find solutions on their own. It features five categories: use of artificial intelligence (AI) programs, Shorts videos, English-language speaking, art and music.
The competition is open to preschoolers and elementary, middle and high school students. Students who pass the preliminary rounds held by 17 provincial and metropolitan academy associations and five education-sector councils nationwide will advance to the finals. There is no entry fee. Prevention activities tailored to the nature of academies, where young people are encountered every day, will also take place during the event. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety believes prevention efforts will be most effective at academies and will join the association in running a campaign to prevent the misuse of controlled drugs, including medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and reduce high-caffeine consumption. Promotional materials and videos featuring actors Kim Tae-young and Seo Young-hee will be distributed to academies nationwide.
Around 10 lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, including Kim Hee-jung, chair of the National Assembly’s Education Committee, and Kim Jeong-jae, chair of its Gender Equality and Family Committee, will also take part in the event and join the effort.
Kim Hyeong-geun, chair of the competition’s organizing committee and president of the National Council of Art Education, said, “One of the environments that has the greatest influence on young people is the academy, an everyday educational setting.” He added, “I hope this competition will help raise public awareness about preventing drug misuse and cyber gambling.”
Meanwhile, the competition’s opening ceremony is scheduled for November 29, and the awards ceremony for December 19. 

[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter