Generation Z and The Direction of Character Education in School - Focused on the mental health status of generation Z adolescents -

Education must consider the philosophical discourse about human nature[性], the context and circumstances of the times and the students who grow within that environment. Character education in schools, which is a hot topic in the field of education, holds practical educational significance when it takes into account both the philosophical discourse of “humanity” and the characteristics of adolescents living in the digital era. Accordingly, this study aims to discuss character education in schools for Generation Z adolescents, for whom smartphones have become an integral part of life. Recent indicators related to the mental health of Generation Z adolescents have significantly deteriorated compared to previous generations. The psychological depression, stress, anxiety, and loneliness of Generation Z adolescents have reached worrisome level. Thus, this study will first examine the relationship between the mental health of Generation Z adolescents and the popularization of digital devices including smartphones. Based on this, the study suggests the necessity of implementing "Social and Emotional Learning" as part of the formal curriculum and "Play" education as part of the hidden curriculum to enhance the mental health of Generation Z adolescents.