In a wave of public response, over 40,000 teachers in South Korea are calling for legal protection against instances of bullying and abuse from parents. With recent rallies and major demonstrations, such as one on September 4, these educators are making their voices heard outside of the National Assembly in Seoul.
The public action was sparked by the tragic suicide of a 23-year-old primary school teacher, allegedly driven to despair by abusive parents. In response, educators across South Korea have been protesting and striking. These protesters argue that the current law makes it easy for parents to accuse educators of mistreating their children, putting their jobs, and potentially their lives, at risk. Over the past five years, about 20 public school teachers have committed suicide, according to Korean authorities.
The issue has moved the machinery of government, with lawmakers taking note. On September 8, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea set up a joint Task Force focused on enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of teachers. This initiative will provide mental health evaluations, emotional support, and psychological treatment to those who need them. In addition, the Ministry of Education announced the passage of the “Four Laws on Protecting Teacher Rights” at a general meeting of the National Assembly Education Committee. These laws are now slated to go before the legislation and judiciary committee before being voted on at a plenary session of the National Assembly.
As part of the response, Minister of Health and Welfare Jo Gyu-hong expressed his sadness over the distressing choices made by teachers recently. He also committed to considering additional measures for the government’s upcoming mental health innovation plan, focusing specifically on bolstering support for the mental health of teachers and incorporating practices successful in foreign contexts.