South Korean Pupils to Get Bodyguards
South Korean children are to be offered free police escorts to school from next month under a controversial scheme intended to tackle bullying.
Amid growing concern about teenage gangs and juvenile crime, the government has also empowered teachers and education officials to act as monitors at amusement arcades, adult entertainment centres and other areas outside school.
In South Korea, where last year 6,200 students were punished for physical assaults against their peers and reportedly 400,000 middle and high school students were involved in gangs, there are fears that traditional Confucian values and family discipline are deteriorating.
Yesterday the education ministry unveiled a plan to curb bullying. Starting in three trial districts in March, citizens will be able to request police, private security or volunteer bodyguards for school journeys, the scheme funded with donations by local companies. Some schools will also get specialist police officers and more frequent street patrols. Teachers will get extra training, pupils counselling and violent juveniles after-school classes.
Amid growing concern about teenage gangs and juvenile crime, the government has also empowered teachers and education officials to act as monitors at amusement arcades, adult entertainment centres and other areas outside school.
In South Korea, where last year 6,200 students were punished for physical assaults against their peers and reportedly 400,000 middle and high school students were involved in gangs, there are fears that traditional Confucian values and family discipline are deteriorating.
Yesterday the education ministry unveiled a plan to curb bullying. Starting in three trial districts in March, citizens will be able to request police, private security or volunteer bodyguards for school journeys, the scheme funded with donations by local companies. Some schools will also get specialist police officers and more frequent street patrols. Teachers will get extra training, pupils counselling and violent juveniles after-school classes.
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