South Korea Reports Record High School Violence Incidents Post-Pandemic
Summary
School violence in South Korea has hit a record high as post-pandemic social changes and heavier digital device use weaken students’ social skills and fuel aggressive behavior. The Ministry of Education says victimization rose to 2.9 percent in 2026, the highest level since records began in 2013.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Education says 2.9 percent of students surveyed reported being victims of school violence in 2026, the highest rate since 2013.
- The rise is linked to post-pandemic effects, including less face-to-face interaction and increased reliance on digital devices.
- Primary school students had the highest victimization rate at 5.7 percent, while verbal violence remained the most common form.
- Students witnessing violence rose to 6.7 percent even though self-reported perpetration fell to 0.8 percent.
