South Korea reports first results from teen gambling programme
The majority of the reports were filed by teenagers themselves through the government-backed initiative.
South Korea.- Some 294 voluntary reports of youth online gambling were made during the first month of the nationwide reporting programme. According to data released by the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), 244 reports were submitted by teenagers themselves and 50 by parents or guardians.
Launched on May 18, the programme allows under 19s, or their families, to voluntarily disclose online gambling activity through the country’s School Violence Reporting and Counselling Centre. The average reported gambling period so far was around 12 months, while the average amount spent was approximately KRW3m (US$2,200).
Male students accounted for 93 per cent of the reports, while high school students represented 60 per cent of the total. Middle school students made up the remaining 40 per cent. In Gangwon Province, one high school accounted for 48 self-reports and another nearby school 20 cases.
Authorities said participants who voluntarily come forward may receive leniency depending on factors such as the scale of their gambling and their participation in treatment programmes. After an initial assessment, students can be referred to specialist counselling and addiction support services.
The voluntary reporting programme is scheduled to run until the end of August.
