Minister vows stronger action against school violence

Education Minister Lee Ju-ho vowed Thursday to take stronger action against violence at schools, saying teachers could be held responsible for neglecting their duty.

The minister's remarks came as Korea has been grappling with alarming reports of school bullying in the wake of a recent series of suicide cases by young bullied students.

"(We are) seeking ways to reward teachers who actively try to prevent school violence, and at the same time, demand accountability from teachers or principals who deliberately cover up violence at schools as it will be considered a failure to meet basic duties," Lee said in a joint interview with Yonhap News Agency and its broadcasting channel news Y.

"Teachers are the most important group of people who can solve the issue of school violence, but I believe there are bad examples of school violence being covered up for various reasons."

Lee said that he does not want to put additional burdens on teachers but believes that they should be held responsible for basic duties after an enhanced support system is put in place.

The minister said he also plans to work toward limiting the harmful effects of Internet addiction among teenagers, as the condition is "closely connected" with school violence.

"Korea is a global leader in the game industry and should promote (that industry), but I also believe that we should demand accountability from the sector for (Internet) game addiction among teenagers," he said.

The education ministry said it will discuss the issue with the culture and health ministries as well as other relevant agencies in a bid to include it in a set of anti-school-violence government measures expected to be announced as early as later this month.

In a related move, the ministry announced Wednesday that it will conduct an annual survey on school violence as part of efforts to root out the social ill. Starting this year, the country's 5.58 million students ranging from the fourth grade to the 12th grade will receive a questionnaire in the mail, where they will be able to respond without fear of retaliation from bullies at school, Lee said. (Yonhap)