Korean teens face sharp health decline as school pressures mount

A long-term study has revealed a worrying decline in the health of Korean adolescents as they move through school. Researchers tracked changes in physical activity, diet, mental well-being, and substance use from primary to high school. The findings highlight growing concerns over lifestyle habits and their impact on young people's health.

The study, conducted by the Korean Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET), found that only 13.5% of adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Meanwhile, 33% now skip breakfast five or more days a week, up from previous years. Nutritional habits have also worsened, with lower consumption of fruit, vegetables, and milk.

Substance use showed a sharp increase as students progressed through school. Smoking rates jumped from 0.35% in sixth grade to 9.59% by the second year of high school. For the first time, liquid e-cigarette use among second-year high school girls exceeded that of traditional cigarettes. Alcohol consumption was also widespread, with 60.8% having tried it and 33.7% drinking at least one full glass. The transition from elementary to middle school was identified as a particularly high-risk period for alcohol exposure.

Mental health issues were another concern. Over a third (35.1%) of adolescents showed signs of smartphone overdependence, while 8% reported moderate to severe anxiety.

KRIVET, in partnership with Germany's Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), plans to extend the research for another three years to further monitor these trends.

The study paints a clear picture of deteriorating health among Korean adolescents. Poor diet, low physical activity, rising substance use, and mental health struggles all worsen as students advance in school. The extended research aims to provide deeper insights into these patterns and potential interventions.