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Experts are expressing concern after a survey revealed that Korean youth have the highest level of smartphone addiction among OECD countries, but it was found that there are no effective policies.
Because teenagers’ smartphone addiction seriously causes sleep disorders and violence damage due to excessive dependence on SNS, it has been shown that there is an urgent need for government policy to establish an integrated support system for at-risk youth to solve the problem of at-risk youth.
A domestic research team conducted the 2024 Youth Life Survey, which surveyed 1,000 youth attending middle and high schools across the country, and found that the average daily smartphone use time among youth was 4.9 hours, and by generation, it was 4.8 hours for middle school students and 5 hours for high school students.
This is a double increase compared to 2.4 hours in the previous survey in 2014.
Compared to OECD countries, they were using their smartphones much more frequently. The average time spent on smartphones in OECD countries was 3.89 hours (Backlinko Team, 2024), and Korean youth were using their smartphones one hour more than the average time in OECD countries, showing the highest level of smartphone use. It was investigated as poisoning.
Mental health experts explain that as the time spent using smartphones increases, the risk of smartphone addiction also increases, so thorough management by guardians is urgent.
As a result of this study, 40.3% of adolescents are male and 46.3% of adolescents are addicted to smartphones, and one in two adolescents is found to be addicted to smartphones. Although this is a very serious situation, youth addiction experts say that active regulatory legislation, like overseas, should be proposed as soon as possible. They explained together.
Smartphone addiction has been found to have a negative impact on adolescents’ sleep.
Due to teenagers’ smartphone addiction, the average sleep time during the week is 5.9 hours, with middle school students at 6.6 hours and high school students at 5.4 hours. The average weekday sleep time for teenagers in OECD countries is 8.41 hours, with Korean teenagers sleeping about 3 hours less during the week, according to OECD data. It was found that among the nation’s youth, they sleep the least amount of time.
It was found that Korean adolescents not only lack sleep time but also experience sleep disorders due to poor sleep quality.
It was found that 1 in 2 adolescents suffer from sleep disorders, and those addicted to smartphones experience greater difficulties. Additionally, sleep disorders increase the risk of suicide, warning that if teenagers’ overdependence on smartphones is not addressed, it could lead to serious physical and mental health problems.
Director Jeong-min Moon, head of the Jeong-min Moon Mental Health Psychology Center, who is serving as a member of the review committee for overseas papers, said that since adolescence is a period of growth both physically and personally, guardians can help parents find stability through intimacy and empathy by increasing time spent directly with their families at home without using smartphones. He explained that he emphasized the need to create clear smartphone guidelines to help people develop self-control.
Jeongmin Moon, CEO of the Social Contribution Mental Health Psychology Center (currently Jeongmin Moon Mental Health Psychology Center), explained that in order to maintain emotional stability, we need to increase time with our families.
Given the potential negative consequences highlighted in the interview, what ethical considerations should policymakers weigh when implementing government intervention strategies for smartphone addiction among teenagers?
## Korean Teens Top OECD in Smartphone Addiction: A Crisis Demanding Action
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview**
**Seoul, South Korea** – A recent study has painted a disturbing picture of smartphone addiction among Korean youth, revealing alarmingly high usage rates and severe consequences. We sat down with Dr. Lee So-jung, a prominent child psychiatrist and leading expert on digital addiction, to discuss the findings and understand the urgent need for effective interventions.
**WTN:** Dr. Lee, the study by a domestic research team found that Korean teens spend an average of 4.9 hours per day on their smartphones, almost double the time reported just a decade ago. What are your thoughts?
**Dr. Lee:** This is indeed alarming. The rapid increase in smartphone usage among Korean teenagers is a serious public health concern. It indicates a growing dependence on these devices, which can have far-reaching consequences for their physical and mental well-being.
**WTN:**
The study also found that Korean youth spend more time on their smartphones than teenagers in other OECD countries. What factors contribute to this trend?
**Dr. Lee:** Several factors likely contribute to this situation.
* **Cultural pressures:** South Korea has a highly competitive academic culture, and students often feel immense pressure to succeed. Smartphones offer them a perceived escape from this pressure, but ultimately contribute to further stress and disengagement from real-life experiences.
* **Social media influence:** Social media platforms are highly prevalent among Korean teenagers, creating a constant need for connection and validation. This can lead to excessive smartphone use and a fear of missing out (FOMO).
* **Accessibility and affordability:** Smartphones are widely available and accessible in South Korea, making it easy for young people to develop a dependency.
**WTN:** The study highlighted a link between smartphone addiction and sleep deprivation among adolescents. Can you elaborate on this connection?
**Dr. Lee:** Absolutely. The blue light emitted from smartphones interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Moreover, constant notifications and the stimulation provided by social media can make it difficult for teenagers to wind down at night, leading to poor sleep quality and insomnia.
Sleep deprivation, in turn, has a cascade of negative effects on teenagers, including impaired concentration, mood swings, and increased risk-taking behavior.
**WTN:**
What are some effective strategies to address this growing issue?
**Dr. Lee:** A multi-faceted approach is needed. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to:
* **Promote healthy media habits:** Encourage teenagers to engage in other activities, set limits on screen time, and create technology-free zones at home.
* **Educate about the risks:**
Raise awareness about the potential harms of smartphone addiction, including sleep deprivation, mental health issues, and social isolation.
* **Develop digital literacy programs:** Empower teenagers with the skills to critically evaluate online information, manage their digital footprint, and use technology responsibly.
**WTN:** The study suggests that government intervention is crucial. What kind of policies should be considered?
**Dr. Lee:**
The government could consider implementing policies similar to those adopted in other countries, such as:
* **Age restrictions on smartphone use:** Limiting access to certain apps and features based on age.
* **Mandatory digital literacy education:** Incorporating digital citizenship and media literacy into school curricula.
* **Funding for research and treatment:** Support research on smartphone addiction and provide accessible and affordable treatment options for affected individuals.
**WTN:** Dr. Lee, thank you for your insightful perspective on this important issue. It is clear that urgent action is needed to address the growing crisis of smartphone addiction among Korea’s youth and protect their well-being.
