First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Attends Spouses' Program in Turkey, Discusses Child Digital Protection

South Korean First Lady Kim Hye-kyung participated in a spouses' program in Turkey, hosted by the Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan, on the sidelines of the NATO summit. The event, held at the historic Çankaya Palace, focused on the theme 'Children, Technology, and Security, Protecting the Next Generation.'

During the program, Kim shared South Korea's policies aimed at safeguarding children in the digital realm. She expressed concerns about the dual nature of digital technology, acknowledging its role in expanding learning and communication opportunities for children while also noting the rise in associated risks. These risks include exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and developmental and emotional issues stemming from excessive use.

Kim highlighted South Korea's efforts to foster a safer digital environment. These initiatives include operating 'Smart Come Center' to provide counseling and education on media overuse, revising the Juvenile Protection Act, and utilizing AI technology to detect and report digital sex crimes. The First Lady's participation underscored the international focus on addressing the challenges of protecting young people in an increasingly digital world.

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