Ministry aims to cure Internet-addicted kids

The Ministry of Information and Communication announced yesterday it would distribute next month a reference book on Internet ethics and etiquette to nearly 5,000 middle and high schools across the country. The publication, authored by the ministry, the Korea Agency for Digital Opportunity and Promotion and by teachers, is designed to prevent cyberspace violence and to promote a “wholesome cyberspace culture” among youth.
The book’s content can be downloaded in full from the agency’s homepage, www.kado.or.kr.
The issues covered in the publication include basic manners when using the Internet, methods of protecting personal information, appropriate language and how to avoid addiction to online games. Each of the topics includes recent newspaper articles on the subjects to help students have a better understanding of the issues.
The book includes a checklist so that readers can determine whether they are addicted to the Internet, computer games or mobile phones.
“We tried to be as practical and specific as possible with the topics,” said an official with the ministry, “so that the lessons from this book can be applied to real-life situations.”

by Lee Hee-sung