Elementary and middle school students believe a harmonious family is the most important factor for happiness, but high school students say it is money, a poll suggests.
The survey of 6,946 youngsters was conducted in March and April by a children's charity for Yonsei University.
Some 43.6 percent of elementary schoolchildren said harmony in the family is the most important factor, 20.6 percent cited good health and 13 percent freedom. Among middle-school students surveyed, 23.5 percent said harmony at home is the most important factor, while 15.4 percent chose good grades at school.
In contrast, 19.2 percent of high school students said money is the most important factor, followed by good grades (18.7 percent), harmony in the family (17.5 percent) and freedom (13 percent).
The older the students get, the more importance they place on money and good grades.
Meanwhile, Korean students are among the most unhappy in the world. A UNICEF index measuring happiness among children and teens puts Korean students at 74 out of an average 100 among OECD member nations.
SOURCE The Chosun Ilbo
