First Lady Kim attends NATO spouses' program, voices concern over digital technology's side effects

Kim Hye-kyung, the First Lady of South Korea, participated in a spouses' program hosted by Turkey's First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, during the NATO summit in Ankara. The event, held at the historic Çankaya Mansion, focused on the theme 'Children, Technology, and Security: Protecting the Next Generation.' Kim's attendance highlighted South Korea's engagement with international partners on critical issues affecting young people.

During a roundtable discussion, Kim voiced her concerns regarding the dual nature of digital technology. While acknowledging its role in expanding learning and communication opportunities for children, she also pointed to growing anxieties about its adverse effects. These include exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, developmental delays due to excessive use, and emotional instability.

Kim outlined South Korea's efforts to create a safer digital environment. Measures include operating 'Smart쉼' centers that offer counseling and educational support for media overuse. Additionally, the country has pursued legal reforms, such as amendments to the Youth Protection Act, and is exploring the use of AI to enhance child protection. Her remarks emphasized a proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with the digital age for the younger generation.

“

Digital technology has opened up broader learning and communication opportunities for children, but side effects such as harmful content, cyberbullying, developmental delays due to excessive use, and emotional instability are also increasing, which is worrying.