Why Korean students are avoiding school-related group chats
Students in South Korea are being warned that even staying silent in group chats could lead to accusations of school violence. This warning comes as cyberbullying continues to grow online, and many students worry that simply being part of a group chat could put them at risk.
Social media advice has encouraged students to avoid group chats completely. Even small reactions, like typing “lol” or sending emojis, might be misunderstood. Some posts explain how to prevent accusations of school violence, and these messages have been widely shared and supported.
Parents are also concerned and sometimes advise their children not to join group chats. In some cases, students are told that it is safer to be alone than to risk involvement in conflicts or bullying situations online. Some schools have even banned group chats, though this has led to debates about students’ rights.
Surveys show that cyberbullying remains a serious issue. Millions of students reported being involved in cyberbullying, either as victims or participants. The problem is so serious that school violence records can now affect college admissions, with some students being denied entry because of such records.
Legal experts say the situation is unclear. While simply being in a group chat is not always punishable, silence or minor reactions could sometimes be seen as supporting bullying. Because of this uncertainty, many students and parents choose to avoid group chats altogether to prevent misunderstandings and protect themselves from possible legal or school consequences.
Edited using generative AI tools.
Source:https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10707636 |
