Topic: 2025 – Protecting and Empowering Youth in Digital Spaces
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Kailani Gardner
Human Rights Council
Protecting and Empowering Youth in Digital Spaces
Republic of Korea
Kailani Gardner
City High Middle
The Republic of Korea recognizes that protecting and empowering youth in digital spaces is vital to fostering development, democratic participation, and a better prepared future generation. As one of the world’s most digitally advanced countries, the Republic of Korea has witnessed firsthand how access to technology can expand educational opportunities, strengthen civic engagement, and drive innovation, or, when used poorly, foster discord, division, and miseducation. As a result of this, the Republic of Korea has already passed various laws and acts protecting youth in the growing digital age. The Republic of Korea, therefore, acknowledges the challenges faced by young people globally, including unequal access to digital infrastructure, rising online safety threats, and gaps in digital literacy, which may prevent many from fully participating in the digital world. For these reasons, the Republic of Korea recognizes that youth empowerment in digital spaces ought to prioritize equitable access and strong protections globally that allow young people not only to safely navigate the online environment but also to drive innovation and creativity. The Republic of Korea is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world and continues to emphasize the protection and motivation of youth in digital spaces.
The Republic of Korea has committed itself to protecting youth in the growing digital world. With 97% of the population using the internet, protecting of vulnerable youths in digital spaces has been a consistent priority. By passing the “Youth Protection Act” the ROK emphasises the protection of youth with the inclusion of digital media. After further protection of youth continued to be a pressing issue, the ROK also passed the “Child and Youth Information Protection Act” in 2023, protecting the digital personal information of persons under 19 years of age. Even most recently, the ROK has passed legislation to ban smartphone use in elementary and middle schools to further protect the youth of Korea from miseducation, exploitation, and any additional dangers digital spaces can pose. Due to its extensive technological advancement and past actions to protect youth online, the ROK is in a prime position to further protect and empower youth in digital spaces.
In the interest of protecting youths and producing an effective resolution, the Republic of Korea suggests other countries look towards the establishment of international standards for youth digital safety, including protection of personal data, systems to prevent cyberbullying, and enforcment of ethical digital environments. This ensures effective opportunities for youths to safely grow in the digital age. The Republic of Korea also argues that education is vital to the empowerment of youth. As a result of this, the Republic of Korea suggests the adaptation of digital literacy education in member states’ curricula. This mitigates the miseducation created in digital spaces and empowers youths to innovate in the growing digital age. Finally, the Republic of Korea suggest the adaptation of infrastructure that will provide broadened access to digital spaces in underserved areas. This will create more equitable opportunities for disadvantaged youths, empowering them to achieve at a similar or the same level as others.
