Youth Group Urges Families to Combat Smartphone Addiction During Chuseok Holiday
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – As the Chuseok holiday approaches, a leading youth organization is calling on families to proactively address growing concerns about smartphone addiction among young people, framing the break as a critical opportunity to rebuild familial connections and establish healthier digital habits. The initiative emphasizes a shift from restrictive control to empathetic engagement, backed by research highlighting the psychological benefits of physical activity and open interaction.
The Chuseok holiday, traditionally a time for family reunions and shared experiences, presents a unique window to disrupt patterns of excessive smartphone use. Experts note that nagging or outright bans often prove counterproductive, driving youth further into defensive behavior and reliance on digital devices. Rather, the youth group advocates for a strategy centered on understanding why young people are drawn to their phones and fostering genuine connection through shared activities and dedicated conversation time.
The organization’s recommendations are built around three key principles. First, promoting physical activity - specifically suggesting family treks in parks or trails - to leverage the sun’s impact on sleep hormone secretion and alleviate potential depression. Second, prioritizing “emotional connection” through empathy rather than reprimand. This includes actively inquiring about the content children enjoy online,even participating with them,to demonstrate a desire to understand their digital world. establishing dedicated “smartphone-free” time for open dialog about school,worries,and future aspirations,providing a sense of psychological stability and reducing feelings of loneliness that can contribute to excessive phone use.
Looking beyond the holiday, the group stresses the importance of translating the ”detox affect” into daily life. This involves collaboratively maintaining agreed-upon rules - such as designated “smartphone collection times” and prohibiting use during meals – and consistently offering engaging alternatives like family board game nights and weekend walks.
“chuseok offers a pause, a chance to re-establish relationships and form healthy digital habits for children,” emphasized a spokesperson for the youth group. The organization hopes this holiday will be a turning point, breaking down “digital barriers” and fostering ”true family connection” grounded in both scientific understanding and psychological insight.
