Many Elementary School Students In South Korea Experience Depression, Due To High Academic Pressure To Foster Patterns
JAKARTA - Elementary School Students (SD) in South Korea are said to experience increasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This was revealed through a recent study conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Education Office.
The study began in 2021, analyzing 3,754 students from 113 elementary schools in Seoul, South Korea. Quoted from the Korea Herald, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, this study was conducted in a group interview format or focus group interview, which participants were directed to discuss certain topics.
Based on conclusions drawn from the focus group interview, the city education office consulted with mental health experts regarding signs of mental health disorders experienced by students.
According to the study, elementary school students who show signs of depression on a three-point scale increase every year. Starting from 0.51 points in 2021 to 0.66 in 2022, and 0.73 in 2023.
Students who showed signs of anxiety also experienced a stable increase among elementary school students during the research period. On a 1 point scale, the score increased from 0.44 in 2021 to 0.54 in 2022, and rose again to 0.58 in 2023.
The study also shows several factors that cause a consistent decline in mental conditions among elementary school students. The factors are mainly stress due to academic stress, relationships between peers, increased time spent playing on cell phones, large social media exposure, and lack of sleep.
In addition, the factor of parental attitudes that is too protective in Korea also contributes to an increase in negative emotions in elementary school students. This parenting makes children more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.
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'Children who are too protected and emotionally supported in dealing with minor problems tend to have a higher level of anxiety and are easily desperate for small difficulties,' research content.
"Because of the sensitive parenting trend and the wrong approach by overly accommodating children's emotions, elementary school children's emotional immunity is at a low level, making them more prone to depression and anxiety," the content of the study added.