According to a recent poll by the government, more than thirty percent (33%) of students in South Korea have had suicidal thoughts over the course of the school year. The results of the recent National Youth Policy Institute (NYPI) survey are conclusive and show that there is a growing tendency of mental health problems related to the intensive workload students have to deal with.
The survey also revealed that more than one-third (37.2%) of the respondents have stated that the cause for these thoughts was the academic pressure consistently put on students. The next leading cause in the list is family tension and problems with about seventeen percent (17.9%) of respondents stating this as the primary cause for their anxiety.
According to surveyors, students often report that they study for hours every day, and the workload they have to cover is often more than they can manage and still maintain a healthy lifestyle.
More cases of depression and anxiety
Unfortunately, the amount of schoolwork children have to cover daily leads to increased instances of mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
Recent reports by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) confirms the findings of the NYPI and further emphasizes that while student put a lot of effort in their studies, often they feel disappointed with themselves.
The accumulation of so many factors takes a toll on the psychological health of students, and they often struggle with depression and anxiety without even realizing it. However, if such conditions are left untreated, they might progress, and this often leads to suicidal thoughts. To battle this growing problem, the government and the Korean Ministry of Education have to come up with working action plans shortly.
