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South Korea wrestles with child abuse

Tuesday, 10 March 2015 1:41 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 10 March 2015 1:40 AM ]

Frank Smith
Press TV, Seoul

This disturbing CCTV footage triggered a controversy over South Korea’s childcare. Lawmakers tabled a bill mandating cameras in daycare centers. But that law failed to pass May 6, upsetting parents.Seeing past their frustration parents understand the depth of the issue beyond

The 40,000 private daycare centers around the country must volunteer for monitoring. Workers make an average of about $1,000 a month for nearly 10 hours a day. Experts say parents expect the fully subsidized care to also maintain high standards, raising questions.

Public daycare centers provide 10 percent of the nation’s childcare, with higher paid better-trained and experienced staff – and waiting lists. Lawmakers promise to review the stalled bill in April.

The controversy over the issue of childcare brings to the surface the other increasing challenges confronting parents in today’s advanced modern world. Many are instead choosing to opt out - and not have kids - forcing this nation’s birthrate below the replacement level, with one study suggesting South Korea will become extinct by the year 2750.

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