Teens Seek Help, Not Punishment: Daejeon’s Innovative Police Program Targets Gambling Addiction

More than 100 South Korean teenagers voluntarily confessed to online gambling and sought help through a police-led rehabilitation program in Daejeon over the past year, according to police data released Tuesday.

The Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency said that between November last year and October this year, 109 students — including 80 middle schoolers and 29 high schoolers — came forward under the “Re-Born” counseling initiative, a first-of-its-kind self-reporting system for youth gambling addiction.

The program was launched amid a surge in youth gambling, focusing not on punishment but on linking high-risk teens with professional counseling and treatment centers. It was designed to fill a gap in prevention and recovery options that conventional law enforcement had failed to address.

Police said the gambling amounts varied widely, from under 10,000 won (about $7) to more than 90 million won ($65,000). Six cases involving larger sums or repeat offenses were referred to prosecutors, with four of those offenders receiving suspended indictments due to voluntary confession and ongoing treatment.

Twelve minors were sent to the Daejeon Family Court’s juvenile division, while 40 others faced lighter corrective measures such as guidance counseling or summary judgments. Another six who had merely joined gambling websites without betting were referred to prevention education programs.

Investigators also uncovered cases where gambling debts drove minors into sex crimes. One teenager who turned to prostitution to repay gambling debts is now under protective supervision and rehabilitation.

The program’s success has prompted other regional police agencies, including those in Gyeonggi Province, Sejong, and North Chungcheong, as well as the Army Headquarters, to consider adopting similar models.

Yu Hye-mi, head of the Youth Protection Division at the Daejeon Police, said the initiative was possible through cooperation with local courts and education offices. “This was the first such program in the police system,” Yu said. “We created a manual for handling self-reports and counseling techniques, and we’re now sharing our know-how nationwide.

Source: http://koreabizwire.com/teens-seek-help-not-punishment-daejeons-innovative-police-program-targets-gambling-addiction/336880

Comprehension

How many South Korean teenagers voluntarily confessed to online gambling under the “Re-Born” program?
Which police agency launched the counseling initiative?
What is the main purpose of the “Re-Born” program?
How many middle school and high school students participated?
What was the range of gambling amounts reported by teens?
How many cases were sent to prosecutors, and why?
What serious crime did some teenagers commit due to gambling debts?
How has the program influenced other police agencies and institutions?

Discussion

Why do you think online gambling is becoming more common among teenagers?
Do you believe self-reporting programs are more effective than punishment for youth offenders? Why or why not?
What are the dangers of gambling at a young age?
How can schools help prevent students from becoming addicted to online gambling?
Should parents be more responsible for monitoring their children’s internet use?
Do you think teens would be willing to confess if punishment were harsher?
What role should technology companies play in preventing youth gambling?
How can society better support teenagers struggling with addiction?
Is it good that other regions and even the Army are considering similar programs? Why?
What life skills do you think teenagers need to avoid risky behaviors like gambling?

Vocabulary

Voluntarily – doing something by choice, not forced.
Rehabilitation – programs that help people recover from harmful behaviors.
Self-reporting – telling authorities about your own wrongdoing.
Addiction – not being able to stop doing something harmful.
Indictment – an official legal charge for a crime.
Corrective measures – actions taken to help someone change bad behavior.
Protective supervision – being monitored and guided for safety.
Cooperation – working together to achieve something.