Assemblywoman Kwon In-sook Proposes 'Media Education Act' to Supplement Shutdown System... "Need to Establish 'Media Literacy' Education Framework"

Representative Proposal of the "Act on Revitalization of Media Education" on the 14th
Urgent Need for Media Literacy Education for Ethical Use of Media and Information-Disadvantaged Groups
Comprehensive and Systematic Promotion of Media Education Scattered Across KCC, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Ministry of Education

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Juyun] Kwon In-sook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, has introduced the 'Media Education Act' to promote autonomous media use. Earlier this month, Kwon, who previously proposed the abolition of the 'Shutdown System' restricting youth gaming, introduced these bills with the aim of expanding the autonomy and capabilities of media users.

On the 14th, Kwon introduced the 'Act on the Promotion of Media Education' to comprehensively and systematically advance media education policies. According to the '2020 Internet Usage Survey' by the Ministry of Science and ICT, cited by Kwon's office that day, the internet usage rate among the domestic population aged three and above is 91.9%. As media accessibility increases and anyone can produce and distribute media, the influence and ripple effects of media are growing; however, some vulnerable groups remain excluded from media access. Additionally, issues such as fake news, copyright protection, digital sexual violence, and financial fraud are also increasing as negative side effects.

Kwon In-sook, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

According to the OECD's 'PISA 21st Century Readers' report released last May, Korean youths' digital information literacy ranked at the bottom in the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

Kwon pointed out, "Digital media is an everyday reality for youths in our society today, yet media literacy education that develops the ability to discern media information and use it ethically is not being systematically implemented."

Until now, government policies and projects related to media education have been scattered across the Korea Communications Commission, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Education, and their affiliated organizations, making comprehensive implementation difficult.

In this bill, Kwon defined 'media education' as "all forms of education aimed at enhancing citizens' ethical awareness by improving access to and utilization of media information, understanding and critical thinking skills, and democratic communication abilities, thereby activating social participation through media."

The bill also establishes a 'Media Education Committee' under the Deputy Prime Minister for Education, stipulating that the Ministry of Education, Korea Communications Commission, and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism jointly discuss and implement media education policies to ensure systematic promotion of media education.

Kwon emphasized, "Media literacy, which enables people to read and utilize information more discerningly, is an essential competency for all members of society living in the digital media era," and added, "I hope the bill will be promptly passed so that media education policies can be comprehensively and systematically promoted through inter-ministerial cooperation, ensuring media education is provided without discrimination to all citizens."

Earlier, on the 9th, Kwon proposed a partial amendment to the Youth Protection Act to abolish the internet game shutdown system and strengthen support policies such as counseling and education for youths and their families facing difficulties like internet addiction.

Kwon stated, "The abolition of the game shutdown system aims to eliminate ineffective regulations and strengthen the autonomous capabilities of youths and their families regarding digital content," and added, "I hope the Media Education Act will be passed to alleviate concerns about the abolition of the shutdown system and contribute to enhancing the autonomous and proactive media capabilities of all members of society, including youths."

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