Ministry visits Seoul smartphone overdependence center

The Ministry of Science and ICT said Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon visited the Seoul Smart Rest Center on Aug. 6.

He toured the center's waiting, counseling and play-therapy rooms and heard from specialist counselors.

The center is one of 18 across 17 cities and provinces, offering preventive education and counseling online, at the center and through home visits for internet and smartphone overdependence.

"As digital technology becomes more deeply embedded in daily life, the ability to use it healthily and safely is becoming as important as knowing how to use it well," Bae, the deputy prime minister and science minister, said.

The ministry will work with local governments, schools and related institutions to expand education and counseling on the potential harmful effects of new digital technologies.

It will begin full operation of a digital detox program in August, combining activities with professional counseling to support people seeking to overcome smartphone overdependence.

"Healthy digital living involves efforts to find balance in one's life, and using specialist institutions such as Smart Rest Centers when necessary can help," Bae said.