"Resolved in a Few Counseling Sessions?" Child Psychiatrist Criticizes 'Geumjjok-i' Broadcast on Teacher's Extreme Suicide

"Broadcast Solutions Only Create the Illusion of Being Solvable"
"Child Issues Require Long-Term Effort and Extensive Support"

Regarding the recent incident of an elementary school student assaulting a teacher in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, and the extreme choice made by an elementary school teacher in Seocho-gu, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Seo Cheon-seok pointed out that the solutions presented in parenting broadcasts create illusions.

In a post on his Facebook on the night of the 19th, Dr. Seo criticized, "The problem with 'Geumjjok-i type' programs is that they create the illusion that issues that can never be resolved by the solutions presented in the broadcasts can be solved." The 'Geumjjok-i type' programs he referred to mean counseling broadcasts hosted by Dr. Oh Eun-young, known as the 'national parenting expert' through various TV programs.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Dr. Seo said the problem with this type of broadcast program is that "they make it seem as if even very serious children's problems can be solved with a few counseling sessions or a month or two of effort," adding, "If that were possible, then the responsibility would inevitably fall on parents and teachers who cannot solve them that way." He continued, "As a psychiatrist, I know there are children who are difficult to change despite efforts, many require long-term efforts, and such efforts need a lot of support," and criticized, "(Broadcast) programs try to maintain illusions either intentionally or subconsciously for the sake of popularity or authority."

"We must distinguish between infringement of teachers' rights and children's mental health issues"

Dr. Seo also mentioned the elementary school student assault incident and the teacher's extreme choice, stating, "General issues of infringement on teachers' rights should be addressed with strong solutions, and for difficult classroom situations caused by children's mental health problems or disabilities, treatment institutions that actively handle these issues and supporting laws and systems must be established."

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Seocheon Seok [Image source=Photo by Dr. Seocheon Seok on Facebook]

He said, "How many counseling sessions or educational programs? Everyone knows there are children for whom such things are useless unless you are a fool or an amateur," and suggested, "A professional approach that allows for long-term educational hospitalization should be introduced. Only then can problem children, other children, and classrooms be protected."

Earlier, an incident occurred on the 30th of last month where Mr. A, a sixth-grade homeroom teacher at a public elementary school in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, was assaulted by his student B in the classroom in front of other students, resulting in a medical diagnosis of three weeks of treatment. B was known to be a student with emotional and behavioral disorders attending a special class.