▲[Reportage] We accompanied a team of the SSMs to observe their operations and interviewed the chief of the SSMs. A public opinion survey revealed that students had mixed opinions, with some expressing support and others feeling resentment towards the SSMs.
A Story from the SSMs
During lunchtime at our school, it is a common sight to see students patrolling with name cards hanging around their necks. These students are members of the SSMs (School Safety Monitors), which were formed to ensure the safety of students and autonomously provide guidance to their peers. However, it appears that a number of students are unaware of the SSMs’ role beyond monitoring unauthorized absences.
On May 11th, we had the opportunity to accompany a team of SSMs and observe how they operate. The SSMs work in two shifts, with Group 1 patrolling for 25 minutes starting at noon, followed by Group 2 for the same duration. The team we shadowed belonged to Group 2 which consisted of two first-year students and one second-year student.
At 12:25 p.m., the SSM team left the school gate to begin their rounds. It was a hot day as they walked their designated route. They passed by a restaurant with a large window, when they noticed a student in uniform having lunch. Shin Jiho, the team leader, approached the student. However, an embarrassing incident unfolded when the student presented a valid pass for their absence, causing Shin to step back with a sheepish smile.
The team continued walking for another ten minutes. Shin led the way, explaining that each team has its own designated route, and they always follow the same path. The patrol route of his team formed a rectangular shape in the downtown area before returning to the school gate. When asked if this caused any difficulties, Shin replied that patrol duty wasn’t particularly burdensome for him but acknowledged that it might be challenging for other members of his team, saying, “Today’s so hot that it's hard to walk around.”
Towards the end of their rounds, in front of a café, we coincidentally encountered teachers in the student department. Teacher Yang Minjung, who is responsible for the SSMs, warmly welcomed the team. She mentioned, “The SSMs are part of the student council’s work and aim to maintain school safety. They volunteer their personal time and put in a lot of effort.” The teachers’ positive recognition of the SSMs was revealed during this conversation.
At that moment, the watch showed it was 12:40 p.m., and despite having completed their assigned rounds, Shin decided to continue patrolling for the remaining ten minutes. He appeared to feel a sense of responsibility as an SSM member. However, he conveyed a concern regarding how other students perceive the SSMs, indicating the possibility of negative perceptions
Shin’s SSM team retraced their steps to continue their patrol, while we returned to the school, reflecting on our observations of the SSMs’ activities.
A Story from Students
The stories we heard from those we met on that day reflected the common sentiments shared by other students. For about two weeks starting from May 7th, we conducted a survey to gauge students’ understanding of the SSMs. The survey was conducted online, and informational materials were distributed to each class. A total of 133 students participated in the poll.
Our initial hypothesis was focused on whether many students were unaware of the SSMs. Among the respondents, 56 indicated that they were well acquainted with the SSMs, 33 were uncertain, and 44 were not familiar with them at all.
Furthermore, we asked students to share their thoughts on the SSMs. Sixty-one students responded to the open-ended question. Some expressed support for the SSMs, offering encouraging words such as “Thank you for your hard work” or “Power through!”
However, a significant number of students expressed feelings of resentment. Some mentioned that the SSMs seemed to be distrusting and participate in staking them out. A second-year student raised concerns about potential conflicts among friends and between seniors and juniors. Additionally, a third-year student also raised the question of whether it is appropriate for the student council — which is trusted by students to represent their interests — to crack down on students. Building on this point, some students argued that it is essential to create opportunities for students and school authorities to communicate and discuss matters related to outing rules and SSM activities.
There were also responses that showed sympathy towards the SSMs and appreciation for their challenges. A second-year student remarked, “The SSM activities require sacrificing their own recess time. Thanks to them, students have significantly reduced their time spent outside.” This student also expressed understanding for the position of the SSMs, saying, “I hope people won’t react hastily and negatively towards the SSMs.”
Overall, the survey results provided valuable insights into students’ perceptions of the SSMs and their suggestions for improving the situation.
Appendix: An Interview with a Chief of the SSMs
Following the students’ opinion we previously discussed, we conducted an interview with Kim Haneul, a deputy chief of the Department of Environment and Safety in the student council, to gain a detailed understanding of the SSMs. Kim is also the chief of the SSMs.
△Who participates in SSM activities?
Kim: The SSMs are managed by the student council — the executive, the legislative, and judicial branch — and the POSEA (a police club).
△How often are the SSMs involved in crackdowns?
Kim: Incidents of SSM crackdowns are rare during lunchtime compared to dinner time. In the past, students were permitted to walk around the lake during dinner time, but that is no longer allowed. However, there have been instances where students misunderstood the rules and went out during dinner time, leading to an increased number of crackdowns during that period.
△How are students who are cracked down by the SSMs handled?
Kim: First, we record the names and student numbers of the students who are caught and provide the list to Yang Minjung, the teacher in charge of the student department. Then, Yang Minjung teacher handles the disciplinary actions for those students.
△How can students join the SSMs?
Kim: Currently, there is no specific way to join the SSMs. Students can become part of the SSMs by being council members through elections or interview tests in the second semester.
△Do you think the SSMs are well-known among students?
Kim: I believe the SSMs are well-known among second and third graders. Originally, we planned to introduce the SSMs to first graders as well, but due to scheduling conflicts, that plan has been delayed, so the SSMs may not be well-known among first graders.
△How are the SSMs currently being publicized, and what are the future plans for public relations?
Kim: Currently, the SSMs are not actively promoting themselves. However, we plan to provide a simple explanation about the SSMs through the Instagram account of the public relations department.
△What are your thoughts on how students perceive the SSMs?
Kim: Students who do not attempt to leave the school have no concerns about being caught or punished, so they tend to view the SSMs in a positive light. On the other hand, students who try to leave the school or have been caught may have a negative perception of the SSMs.
△Has there been any change in the number of students leaving the school without permission since the introduction of the SSM activities?
Kim: The SSMs have been active since the second semester of last year. In the first semester of the previous year, when the SSMs were not yet in place, there were many instances of students leaving the school without permission. However, the number of such incidents has decreased since the introduction of the SSMs.
△How much time do you dedicate to SSM activities per week?
Kim: Each student participates in SSM activities three times per week, spending 25 to 30 minutes each time, totaling approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes per week.
△Are there any incentives given to students who participate in SSM activities?
Kim: There are no specific incentives as it is a role within the student council. However, students can earn volunteering hours recognized by the school.
△Finally, do you consider SSM activities to be worthwhile?
Kim: It is very worthwhile for me to work as a member of the student council and prioritize school safety.
Kim provided thorough and earnest responses to all the questions, and we concluded the interview with the hope that the information we gathered will prove valuable for students and help alleviate conflicts associated with the SSMs.
Kim Soeun (1-3)¹ | Staff Reporter
Lee Sihu (2-8)² | Staff Reporter
1) kkse0226@naver.com
2) jjangsihu@gmail.com
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