540,000 Isolated and Reclusive Youth... 8 out of 10 Want to Break Free

The government has estimated that there are 540,000 'isolated youth' whose social activities have significantly decreased, and an additional 240,000 'reclusive youth' who do not leave their rooms at all. In response, the government has begun actively preparing support measures to help these young people face the world again. The support will cover not only current isolated and reclusive youth but also preventive measures for those at risk of isolation or reclusion due to dropping out of school or failing to find employment, encompassing the entire process from prevention to detection and aftercare.

[Image source=Pixabay]

On the 13th, the government held the Youth Policy Coordination Committee chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and announced the 'Support Plan for Isolated and Reclusive Youth.' While local governments, such as Seoul City, have implemented support projects for isolated and reclusive youth, this is the first time a comprehensive government-wide measure has been introduced at the central government level. Following the '2022 Youth Life Survey' released in March, which estimated the rate of isolated and reclusive youth at 5%, it is projected that this figure would amount to approximately 540,000 when expanded to the entire youth population. The social cost is also estimated at 7 trillion won, highlighting it as a significant social issue, prompting the government to actively address the problem. In Japan, the term 'hikikomori,' referring to reclusive youth, emerged as a social problem in the 2000s.

The basis for this plan was the '2023 Survey on the Actual Conditions of Isolated and Reclusive Youth' conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs from July to August. Out of 21,360 isolated and reclusive youth recruited online who completed the survey, 12,105 (56.7%) were identified as the primary risk group. The survey revealed that most isolated and reclusive youth want to escape their isolation but face difficulties. Among respondents, 82.2% desired to end their isolation, and 67.2% actually attempted to do so. However, many youth were unable to receive help due to lack of awareness of relevant systems, financial burdens, or absence of support agencies.

First, an early detection system will be established to find socially hidden isolated and reclusive youth. A 'one-stop help desk' will be set up in the second half of next year to allow individuals to request help anytime via non-face-to-face and online methods, enabling continuous detection. This measure considers the fact that isolated and reclusive youth spend much time online, where they access external information with minimal cost and limited outside activity.

Additionally, family, friends, and frequently visited stores will also be able to request help on behalf of the youth. The 129 Health and Welfare Counseling Center will create a separate youth category to facilitate easier access to assistance. Furthermore, volunteer groups, including university students, will conduct detection and promotional activities within online communities.

Moreover, for youth classified as high-risk isolated and reclusive individuals preparing for independence, dedicated personnel will be assigned within specialized institutions to strengthen support programs that run concurrently with their independence preparation.

In particular, a dedicated support system will be established, including the creation of 'Youth Future Centers' (tentative name) in four regions next year to support isolated and reclusive youth and adolescents. Dedicated staff at these centers will meet with youth who have requested help, develop plans, and provide customized programs. Priority support will be given to 1,903 individuals who requested public assistance in the survey.

Connections with existing services such as youth mental health services and daily care services will also be strengthened. Notably, daily care services, which have traditionally focused on middle-aged and elderly single-person households, will be expanded to include young single-person households living in boarding houses and one-room apartments to enhance the human protection network.

Young people are learning to dance in a program for isolated and reclusive youth organized by the Youth Connection Center in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Im Chunhan]

Among isolated and reclusive youth, 24% began their isolation during their teenage years. Since school violence, school maladjustment, interpersonal relationships, family relationships, and experiences of violence or bullying are cited as major causes, management of out-of-school youth will also be strengthened. The number of 'Student Customized Integrated Support Leading Schools,' which operate integrated support teams to assist students struggling with school violence or maladjustment, will be expanded from 96 schools this year to 248 schools next year. For students who drop out, related information will be linked to out-of-school youth support centers, where dedicated personnel for isolation and reclusion will also be assigned.

To address the biggest reason for isolation and reclusion?'job-related difficulties'?the Ministry of Employment and Labor will establish a 'Youth Growth Project' (tentative name) targeting youth who are currently inactive, and expand existing youth challenge support projects to assist them in finding jobs. Additionally, an 'onboarding program' will be introduced to improve rigid corporate cultures and help young employees adapt quickly during the early stages of employment.

The support plan primarily targets youth aged 19 to 34, as defined by the Youth Basic Act. However, a Ministry of Health and Welfare official explained, "Even if individuals do not fall within this age range, support will be provided if it is deemed appropriate to the program's purpose, with detailed guidelines to be designed accordingly."

Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyu-hong stated, "This plan is significant as the government's first comprehensive measure targeting isolated and reclusive youth. We understand that many young people are struggling with anxiety about the future, and the government will proactively help them live daily lives and prevent various social problems in advance."

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