National Center for the Rights of the Child analyzes responses from 3,008 participants in online survey for '365-Day Children's Day' campaign

Gap seen between recognition of child participation and actual respect for children's opinions... "Adults' awareness must change" to better guarantee children's rights

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A gap has emerged between recognition of the need for child participation and how well children's opinions are actually respected, a survey found.

The National Center for the Rights of the Child announced Wednesday the results of an online survey conducted as part of its "365-Day Children's Day" campaign.

The survey was conducted online from July 13 to Aug. 17 among 3,008 people aged 14 and older -- 116 minors under 18 and 2,892 adults.

According to the results, 65 percent of respondents said matters related to children should be discussed and decided jointly by children and adults.

The survey also found relatively positive perceptions of children overall, with 58.5 percent saying South Korean society respects children as much as adults.

However, only 49.8 percent, or 1,499 respondents, gave a positive response -- combining "very much so" and "somewhat so" -- when asked whether society sufficiently respects children's opinions.

This points to a gap between the belief that children's opinions should be reflected in decision-making and the actual level of respect society gives them.

Asked what should change first to better guarantee children's rights, 38.8 percent, or 1,168 respondents, most often cited "a change in adults' awareness." "Expanding a culture of respect within families" followed at 29.6 percent, or 889 respondents.

The right respondents said was least upheld for children was "the right to speak their mind and be respected," cited by 36.8 percent, or 1,106 respondents. "The right to be protected from discrimination and violence" followed at 31.5 percent, or 947 respondents.

Based on the survey results, the National Center for the Rights of the Child plans to continue its "365-Day Children's Day" campaign to help children freely express their opinions and take part in everyday decision-making.

Kim Yoo-im, head of the National Center for the Rights of the Child, said, "Respecting children's opinions means more than just listening to them -- it means substantively reflecting their views in decisions that affect them." She added, "We will expand opportunities for child participation and spread a culture of practicing children's rights in daily life so that every child can be respected as a rights-holder, today and tomorrow."


thlee@heraldcorp.com