Rethinking the Way We Handle School Violence School should be a place where students feel safe, respected, and able to learn freely. However, in recent years, a growing number of reports have shown that school violence — including bullying, verbal abuse, and even physical aggression — continues to be a serious problem in Korea. More concerning is the fact that the current response system often fails to protect victims effectively or to solve the root causes of the problem. If we want real change, it is time to examine what is going wrong and what must be done differently. ◇ What’s Not Working?
In our rapidly changing world, fairness and respect are values that matter more than ever. As young people grow up in a society filled with diverse identities, it is important that they are taught not just how to study, but how to understand and care about those around them. One of the key lessons that should be part of every student's learning journey is gender sensitivity. In Korean, this is called 성인지 감수성, which means the ability to recognize, understand, and respond respectfully to gender differences and inequalities. Teaching gender sensitivity in schools is not just helpful — it is essen
In a country renowned for its fierce academic competition, South Korean teachers now face escalating risks—not solely from the pressures of high-stakes exams, but from a growing wave of verbal abuse, threats, and even violence by parents and students. This troubling trend is triggering a surge in teacher resignations and mental health crises, shaking the foundations of public education. Rising Resignations and Reports of AbuseRecent data paints a stark picture: Nearly 589 teachers with less than five years of experience left the profession between March 2022 and April 2023—a nearly twofold i
Education is often described as the foundation of a nation’s future, and teachers are at the center of that foundation. In South Korea, a country known for its strong emphasis on education and academic achievement, teachers have traditionally held a respected position in society. However, recent incidents involving verbal abuse, threats, and even physical violence by parents toward teachers have raised deep concerns across the country. As cases of parent-led violence increase, many educators and citizens are beginning to ask: what is happening to the relationship between schools, parents, and
As the world becomes increasingly digital, education systems around the globe are seeking ways to modernize. South Korea, known for its strong academic culture and technological leadership, is now stepping into a new phase of innovation through the use of AI Digital Textbooks (AIDT). These textbooks, powered by artificial intelligence, promise to transform classrooms with personalized learning and smart feedback systems. However, despite their potential, AIDTs are also facing serious controversy regarding their fairness, effectiveness, and role in education. AI Digital Textbooks are more than
In a society where education is deeply connected to personal success and national progress, how a country sets its education policies matters greatly. In South Korea, education has long been a top priority — but also a topic of frequent political debate and constant change. To bring greater consistency, vision, and fairness to the nation’s education system, the National Education Committee (NEC) was established. This new, independent body is now at the center of Korea’s efforts to create long-term, future-oriented education policies that can serve students, teachers, and society more effective