Suncheon-si Operates Youth Mental Health Service 'Youth Hotline 1388'

Youth Helpline '1388' Operates 24 Hours, Protecting Mental Health from COVID-19

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do announced on the 20th that it is operating a youth hotline for teenagers and parents who are experiencing anxiety due to increased conflicts at home following the postponement of school openings at all levels caused by COVID-19.

As COVID-19 spreads, counseling sessions with teenagers reveal many complaints such as, "I am very worried about getting infected if I go outside because of COVID-19, and I feel depressed," and "I am worried whether I am studying well at home since I cannot go to school because of COVID-19," generally expressing feelings of frustration and depression.

Additionally, parents are increasingly concerned, saying things like, "Children seem very frustrated and irritable because they are stuck at home due to the postponed school opening," and "My child is anxious after hearing news about deaths caused by COVID-19; how should I help them?"

The Suncheon Youth Counseling Welfare Center operates a 24-hour crisis counseling hotline through Youth Phone 1388, addressing not only feelings of depression and anxiety but also everyday concerns, internet and smartphone overuse, school dropout, sexuality, running away from home, violence, and more.

An official from the city stated, "With the school opening postponed until early April, teenagers' anxiety is increasing, leading to emotional instability and deeper conflicts at home," adding, "The counseling hotline is open 24 hours and guarantees anonymity, so consulting with experts can be more effective."

Anyone in need of counseling can use ▲landline without area code 1388 ▲mobile phone 061-1388.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.