Increased Sleep Deprivation Among South Korean Students
A new study reveals that more South Korean students are experiencing sleep deprivation, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts, largely due to increased internet usage. Despite the government’s five-year health promotion plan, which started in 2019, it seems that the plan has not fully achieved its mental health goals for students.
Key findings show that fewer elementary school students are getting the recommended eight hours of sleep, with the percentage dropping from 55.4% in 2017 to 51.95% in 2023. Among middle and high school students, the percentage of those sleeping eight hours or more dropped from 25.26% in 2017 to 20.11% in 2023.
Additionally, digital device usage has increased. The percentage of elementary students spending more than two hours a day on screens rose from 22.3% in 2017 to 35.5% in 2023. For middle and high school students, this figure reached 92.1% in 2023.
With increased screen time and reduced sleep, mental health indicators have worsened. Fatigue, depression, and suicidal thoughts have all shown an upward trend. The study also raises concerns about the digital device policies in schools, warning that these practices may negatively impact students’ mental health.
Click here for the source.
