Busan Office of Education launches committee to prevent digital media addiction

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education has launched the ‘Intelligent Information Service Overdependence and Hyper-immersion Prevention Committee’ to address digital media addiction among youth. The initiative targets excessive use of smartphones, short-form videos, and online games.

The committee consists of 15 key members, including education officials, parent associations, and representatives from organizations such as the Busan Smart Rest Center, the Korea Communications Agency, and the Game Rating and Administration Committee. This collaborative governance aims to establish a ‘one-stop’ support system that moves beyond simple education to include early detection, diagnosis, counseling, and treatment.

During the launch, Superintendent Kim Seok-jun emphasized that addressing digital addiction requires a coordinated defense between schools, families, and local communities. A workshop held during the event featured Judge Park Won-cheol, who discussed the legal and protective perspectives of excessive social media and smartphone use, highlighting the need for a robust social safety net.