In a heartbreaking incident, the suicide of a young primary school teacher in South Korea has shed light on the issue of parent bullying in the country’s education system. The 23-year-old teacher, Lee Min-so, took her own life after facing incessant complaints from parents and dealing with the pressure of her job. This tragic event has triggered a wave of anger among teachers, who have come forward to share their own experiences of being bullied by overbearing parents and unruly children.
Lee Min-so’s diary entries and text messages revealed the immense stress she endured in the months leading up to her suicide. She received numerous complaints from parents, including one incident where a student physically harmed another child with a pencil. The continuous onslaught of late-night phone calls and messages from parents took a toll on her mental health. This incident has sparked outrage among primary school teachers across South Korea, who have rallied together to express their frustration and raise awareness about the issue.
Teachers claim that parents frequently push them to the breaking point with their constant complaints and unreasonable demands. In some cases, teachers can be reported for child abuse simply for trying to restrain a violent student. Even a minor disciplinary action like a telling-off can be labeled as emotional abuse. Teachers live in constant fear of being accused and immediately suspended from their jobs, leading to a loss of control in the classroom.
The culture of complaining is fueled by South Korea’s hyper-competitive society, where academic success is paramount. Students face intense pressure to excel academically from a young age, hoping to secure a spot in the best universities. Outside of school hours, children attend expensive hagwons (extra-curriculum schools) that operate from dawn till late at night. With families having fewer children, there is even more pressure on each individual child to succeed.
Professor Kim Bong-jae from Seoul National University of Education attributes the rise in parent bullying to rising inequality and entitlement. Parents, who are highly educated due to South Korea’s economic growth, often belittle teachers, thinking they have paid for their education through taxes. The sense of entitlement leads to a lack of respect for teachers and an unhealthy power dynamic.
The impact of parent bullying on teachers’ mental health cannot be ignored. Many teachers have experienced depression, panic attacks, and even suicidal thoughts due to the overwhelming stress caused by parents and students. Teachers are left feeling disempowered and afraid to discipline their students. The fear of being labeled as child abusers and losing their jobs hangs over their heads.
The effects of parent bullying extend beyond teachers and impact the students as well. With parents solely focused on their own child’s success, a selfish mentality pervades, leaving little room for empathy towards others. This pressure-cooker environment leads to increased bullying and violence among students.
Bullying and violence in South Korean schools have long been recognized as systemic problems. The government has taken some steps to address the issue, such as including students’ bullying records in university applications. While this was intended to discourage bullying, it has further heightened parents’ anxieties, leading them to scapegoat teachers and pressure them to hide their child’s wrongdoings.
While it is important to acknowledge that most parents behave well and have valid concerns, the culture of severe complaints should not be dismissed as outliers. The channels of communication between parents and teachers must remain open for a healthy dialogue. However, it is crucial to prevent the harassment and abuse of teachers, which only worsens the education system’s broken state.
The South Korean government has acknowledged that the classroom environment needs reform. New guidelines allow teachers to remove disruptive students from the classroom and restrain them if necessary. Additionally, parents must agree on the date and time of meetings in advance, and teachers have the right to refuse meetings after work. These measures are aimed at restoring balance and empowering teachers.
However, many argue that a deeper systemic reform is needed. South Korea’s education system, along with its narrow definition of success, needs to be reevaluated. A society solely focused on grades and academic achievements puts immense pressure on individuals and overlooks other aspects of personal growth and well-being. Reexamining these societal expectations and creating a more holistic approach to education would benefit everyone involved.
The tragic suicide of Lee Min-so has brought parent bullying in South Korean schools to the forefront of public attention. It is a wake-up call for society to address the harmful effects of this culture and strive towards a more supportive and nurturing educational environment. Teaching should be a profession that is respected and empowered, allowing teachers to positively impact the lives of their students without fear of abuse or harassment.
