Children's Policy Pledges Announced on Social Media
Includes Introduction of Public Guardian System
On May 5, Children's Day, Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, announced his children's policy pledges, which focus on expanding the age range for child allowance payments and introducing a public guardian system. He stated, "I will build a nation where children are respected and a Korea where children are happy."
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is embracing a child near the Dongsong Intercity Bus Terminal in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, on the second day of his 'Listening Tour in Every Alley' visit to the border area on the 2nd. Photo by Yonhap News
That morning, through social media, Lee said, "We will gradually expand the child allowance payment age to include all children under 18, thereby reducing the childcare burden on parents." As of this year, the child allowance is paid without income requirements, but only to children from birth up to under 8 years old, with a monthly payment of 100,000 won.
Lee also pledged, "We will introduce a public guardian system and actively support the implementation of the reformed public adoption system." He added, "We will identify the circumstances of marginalized children, such as young carers (children providing care), children of inmates, and those with borderline intellectual functioning, and seek comprehensive support measures for them."
Additionally, he stated, "As the digital world advances, digital crimes against children are increasing. We will create a child-friendly digital environment tailored to children's perspectives to maximize their rights," and promised, "We will establish the best possible protection measures to ensure that our children do not fall victim to digital crimes."
He further emphasized, "We will improve systems to prevent and promptly detect child abuse, and strengthen the protection system for child victims."
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