In response to the rise in crimes against younger children, Seoul City will begin the distribution of ‘portable safety bells for elementary students’ starting in May, to support safe commuting for elementary school children. This is a new measure following the distribution of safety bells aimed at adults to secure child safety.
The safety bell, designed in the form of a key chain using Seoul’s representative characters Hachi and Soul Friends, is produced in two colors: white and light green. When the button is pressed in an emergency, it emits a warning sound of over 100 decibels to immediately draw the attention of those around. Unlike the rechargeable adult version, the children’s version is designed for easy battery replacement.
Seoul City explained that due to incidents in places like elementary schools in Daejeon, anxiety among parents has heightened, increasing the need for safety equipment that children can use to protect themselves.
According to the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office statistics, serious crimes against children under age 13 increased from 1,514 cases in 2019 to 1,704 cases in 2023. Kidnapping crimes grew by 48% during the same period. In a situation where younger children are particularly targeted, Seoul City plans to distribute safety bells to about 110,000 first and second graders in elementary school.
Applications will be accepted from April 11 to April 25 through the Seoul City Public Reservation System or Naver Forms. Eligible applicants are elementary schools within Seoul, and each school must enter student numbers and delivery information for registration. A mobile QR code application method will also be operated concurrently.
The distributed safety bells will be delivered sequentially to schools from early May, with video materials provided to guide students on usage. Spare quantities will also be provided to prepare for device malfunctions or failures. Since the safety bells are distributed through schools, parents should inquire at the school their child attends.
Kim Seon-soon, director of the Seoul City Women and Family Office, stated, “Since the alarm can indicate a child’s emergency signal, we hope citizens respond actively. The interest and cooperation of citizens are key elements in completing an effective safety network.”