[News Terms] 'No Kids Zone' Ban Calls Rise Ahead of Children's Day

'No Kids Zone' refers to places where infants and children are prohibited from entering. In Korea, the term 'No Kids Zone' is commonly used, but in English-speaking countries, it is expressed as 'Kids-free zone.'

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea judged in November 2017 that No Kids Zones constitute discriminatory acts, yet they still exist. They are mainly operated in restaurants and performance venues, but public institutions such as the National Library of Korea also qualify as No Kids Zones, allowing only those aged 16 and above to use the facilities.

Overseas, some museums occasionally operate 'No Kids Day,' prohibiting child visitors, and some airlines operate 'Quiet Zones' where children under 12 are not allowed to board.

No Kids Zone [Image source=cliparts.zone]

On the 4th, Yong Hye-in, a member of the Basic Income Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office with her 24-month-old son, stating, "As a mother of a child before being a member of the National Assembly, I will transform No Kids Korea into First Kids Korea," and added, "I will urge government ministries and local governments to expand public facilities where children can freely enjoy leisure, including the severely lacking public playgrounds."

In Jeju, a proposed ordinance banning No Kids Zones has been announced for legislation, sparking heated debate. On the 3rd, Song Chang-kwon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea in the Jeju Provincial Council, introduced the 'Ordinance Prohibiting the Designation of Child-Restricted Businesses' as the main proposer. According to a survey by the Jeju Research Institute, there are 78 No Kids Zones in Jeju, accounting for 14.4% of the nationwide total.

Although there are criticisms that No Kids Zones discriminate against children and negatively affect low birth rates, there is also considerable opposition arguing that it is a legitimate right exercised by business owners directly affected by sales and a consideration for other customers. In fact, a 2021 survey by Korea Research showed that 71% of respondents could accept the operation of No Kids Zones, while only 17% could not.

As an alternative to No Kids Zones, the idea of providing incentives to families who complete etiquette education in public places or establishing specific measures to regulate parents who behave rudely is gaining persuasive support.