On November 6, the '2026 National Assembly Legislative Expo' attracted crowds of citizens eager to propose policies and explore the exhibition. The chilly autumn breeze, with a perceived temperature of 6 degrees Celsius, did not dampen the enthusiasm at the National Assembly's central lawn.
Among the booths, the 'Future Zone' stood out, filled with organizations such as the National Assembly Future Research Institute, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Child Fund Korea, and Good Neighbors International.
Among the booths, the 'Future Zone' stood out, filled with organizations such as the National Assembly Future Research Institute, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Child Fund Korea, and Good Neighbors International.
Voices of Students on AI Risks and Policy Participation
Around the booths, students in school uniforms enjoyed snacks while soaking in the festive atmosphere. However, the posted information about the digital usage of children and adolescents and legislative demands presented a serious contrast.
According to a survey conducted by Child Fund Korea, 94.4% of 3,300 children and adolescents under 18 reported having used generative AI chatbots, with 20% seeking AI for its 24/7 availability. The issue lies in the lack of safety standards. The organization's 'Issue Brief on Safety Design for Generative AI Chatbots' revealed that 35.1% of respondents perceived AI as similar to humans, and 41.0% had acted based on AI-generated responses.
A representative from Child Fund Korea stated, "While the number of children using AI has surged, current laws define vulnerable groups primarily as the elderly and disabled, excluding children. It is urgent to strengthen age verification and authentication processes and amend the Basic Act on Artificial Intelligence and the Information and Communications Network Act to include children as a vulnerable group in AI contexts."
According to a survey conducted by Child Fund Korea, 94.4% of 3,300 children and adolescents under 18 reported having used generative AI chatbots, with 20% seeking AI for its 24/7 availability. The issue lies in the lack of safety standards. The organization's 'Issue Brief on Safety Design for Generative AI Chatbots' revealed that 35.1% of respondents perceived AI as similar to humans, and 41.0% had acted based on AI-generated responses.
A representative from Child Fund Korea stated, "While the number of children using AI has surged, current laws define vulnerable groups primarily as the elderly and disabled, excluding children. It is urgent to strengthen age verification and authentication processes and amend the Basic Act on Artificial Intelligence and the Information and Communications Network Act to include children as a vulnerable group in AI contexts."
Desire for Direct Policy Participation Among Youth
Alongside demands for protection from risks, there was a strong desire among youth to voice their opinions directly in policy-making. At the adjacent Good Neighbors booth, students filled a wall with sticky notes outlining their legislative wishes.
In a survey titled "What Do Youth Need to Participate in Policy?" conducted separately for adults and youth, the overwhelming response from young participants was the need for opportunities to engage directly in the policy-making process. This reflects a demand for youth to sit at the decision-making table rather than merely being protected.
In a survey titled "What Do Youth Need to Participate in Policy?" conducted separately for adults and youth, the overwhelming response from young participants was the need for opportunities to engage directly in the policy-making process. This reflects a demand for youth to sit at the decision-making table rather than merely being protected.
Teachers Raise Concerns Over Educational Rights
As children voiced their legislative demands regarding AI safety and direct participation, teachers supervising them raised another set of pressing issues at a nearby booth. The Teachers' Labor Union emphasized the need to amend the Child Welfare Act and the Child Abuse Punishment Act, alongside advocating for the protection of teachers' rights.
In light of a recent incident where 5,206 teachers submitted applications to join political parties, only to have both parties refuse to accept them, a history teacher from a middle school in Namyangju explained, "The goal was not merely to join a party but to demonstrate the significant institutional constraints faced by teachers in Korea."
An informational pamphlet distributed at the booth highlighted how indiscriminate reports of child abuse have led to teachers facing long-term investigations, effectively paralyzing educational environments. The teacher remarked, "If teachers' rights collapse and education cannot be conducted properly in classrooms, the ultimate victims will be the children."
The legislative expo concluded its two-day schedule on this day. The results of citizen votes and petitions collected at the booths are expected to lead to discussions on related legislative proposals and amendments within the National Assembly.
In light of a recent incident where 5,206 teachers submitted applications to join political parties, only to have both parties refuse to accept them, a history teacher from a middle school in Namyangju explained, "The goal was not merely to join a party but to demonstrate the significant institutional constraints faced by teachers in Korea."
An informational pamphlet distributed at the booth highlighted how indiscriminate reports of child abuse have led to teachers facing long-term investigations, effectively paralyzing educational environments. The teacher remarked, "If teachers' rights collapse and education cannot be conducted properly in classrooms, the ultimate victims will be the children."
The legislative expo concluded its two-day schedule on this day. The results of citizen votes and petitions collected at the booths are expected to lead to discussions on related legislative proposals and amendments within the National Assembly.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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