The number of children in South Korea receiving mental health treatment has more than doubled over the past four years. New government data shows a major rise in outpatient visits, especially among elementary school-aged children.
From January to November 2024, 270,625 children under the age of 18 received treatment for conditions like depression and anxiety. This is a large increase from 133,235 cases in 2020. The data comes from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service and was submitted to Rep. Jin Sun-mi of the National Assembly’s Education Committee.
Mental health cases growing year by year
The number of cases has been going up steadily. In 2021, 172,441 children were treated. In 2022, it rose to 212,451. In 2023, it reached 244,884. On average, mental health outpatient visits for children have grown by 19.4 percent every year since 2020.
This shows a long-term trend that is not limited to older teens. Many younger children are also affected.
Elementary school children most affected
The sharpest increase is in children aged 7 to 12. Among boys, the number grew from 33,800 in 2020 to 76,159 in 2024, which is 2.3 times more. For girls, it rose from 12,260 to 29,165, a 2.4 times increase.
Younger children aged 0 to 6 also saw more cases. Among boys, numbers went from 12,707 to 19,505. For girls, they went from 5,231 to 7,763.
For teenagers aged 13 to 18, the number of boys increased from 35,193 to 66,459. For girls, it went from 34,044 to 71,574. These numbers show almost a doubling in four years.
Most common mental health issues
Doctors reported that the most frequent conditions include depressive episodes, hyperactivity disorders, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. These conditions can affect how a child behaves, learns, and interacts with others.
Academic pressure and stress play a big role
Experts say academic stress is a major reason for the rise. South Korean students face strong competition and high expectations from an early age. Many children also face social pressure both in school and online.
Children are often pushed to succeed, with long hours of study and little free time. This constant pressure can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Depression in children is often hard to see
Depression in children can look different than it does in adults. Instead of appearing sad, children may act angry, moody, or overly sensitive. These signs are often mistaken for normal growing-up behavior, but they may be signs of mental health problems.
Mental health experts say that parents and teachers should not ignore these signs, especially if they last for several weeks or begin to affect the child’s daily life.
Warning signs that parents should notice
Doctors suggest that parents look for warning signs like poor focus, constant tiredness, sleep problems, loss of interest in activities, or sudden changes in behavior. If these problems continue, it is important to speak with a mental health professional.
Early support can help children manage their emotions and prevent long-term problems.
Lack of mental health support in schools
Many schools in South Korea still do not have enough trained mental health workers. There are also long wait times to see a doctor, and many families feel social pressure not to talk about mental health.
Experts say that without proper help, many children will continue to suffer in silence. The need for more psychologists, counselors, and support services is growing fast.
What should be done to improve the situation
Experts recommend several steps to support children’s mental health. These include adding more counselors in schools, training teachers to spot early signs, running awareness campaigns, and offering both online and in-person services. A national strategy is also needed to make mental health care for children a priority.
By acting early and providing the right care, children can recover and enjoy healthier lives.