From 6th grade to high school, new data shows teen health declining in Korea
In a nation where academic pressure intensifies sharply as children grow older, a groundbreaking multiyear study is revealing how the physical and mental health of teenagers deteriorates over time. As students trade play for cram schools, public health officials are uncovering the long-term toll of childhood in one of the world's most competitive societies. The Korea Disease Control and…
A recent multiyear study conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has revealed a concerning trend in the health of Korean teenagers as they progress from middle school to high school. The study, which tracked a cohort of 5,051 students from 2019 to 2028, shows a decline in both physical and mental well-being among adolescents in one of the world's most competitive societies.
The latest dataset, which follows 4,141 students who completed their second year of high school in 2024, included 29 core health indicators across five key domains: diet, physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and general illness. Notably, the survey also measured screen addiction and high-caffeine energy drink consumption, shedding light on how teenagers navigate the pressures of intense academics.
As students shift their focus from play to cram schools in pursuit of academic success, public health officials are uncovering the long-term consequences of childhood in this highly competitive environment. The study demonstrates how the academic pressure intensifies as children grow older, leading to a deterioration in their overall health.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
