Mindful Connect to Launch ‘Peer-Link’ Mental Health Prevention Program for Teenagers

Mindful Connect, a South Korean mental health social impact company led by CEO Ryu Hye-won, will offer its Peer-Link prevention program to about 100 teenagers from September through October.

The classes will take place at a middle school in Seoul’s Gwanak-gu and a private educational institution in Gangnam-gu. Specialist educators will lead the sessions.

The program comes as youth mental health has emerged as a serious social issue in South Korea. Youth statistics from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family list intentional self-harm, including suicide, as the leading cause of death among teenagers.

Peer-Link focuses on prevention in everyday life. It is designed to help teenagers understand their emotions, communicate honestly with peers and ask for appropriate help when necessary. Mindful Connect developed the content with educators specializing in youth and plans to use interactive quizzes, discussions and creative activities reflecting teenagers’ developmental needs and concerns at school.