Save Teenagers Addicted to Smartphones! ... Changwon City, 'Wise Digital Regulation Life'

Changwon City, Gyeongnam Province, operates a Wise Digital Regulation Lifestyle Program to prevent smartphone overdependence.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Changwon City in Gyeongnam is operating the youth internet and smartphone overdependence prevention and treatment education program, "Wise Digital Regulation Life."

The Wise Digital Regulation Life program was established to help youth recognize problems caused by excessive use of the internet and smartphones, strengthen motivation for behavior modification, and develop proper usage methods and self-regulation skills for digital devices.

The program consists of two sessions: ▲ Introduction to digital usage types and exploring one's own type, learning the strengths of one's type and usage tips ▲ Confirming the expectation of self-regulation and creating a personal healer item.

Organized by the Changwon Youth Counseling Welfare Center, the program will be conducted from April to October, providing on-site education to 1,200 fifth and sixth graders from 13 elementary schools in the city selected through prior application.

Nomalnam, Director of the Child and Youth Division, said, "Due to the prolonged impact of COVID-19, children have been heavily exposed to the internet and smartphones," adding, "We hope that youth can develop self-regulation skills to use digital devices healthily and beneficially."