TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) vowed on Thursday (Oct. 17) to stop using a consent form for "School Youth Service Participation" (參加學校青年服勤), including the personal data required provision.
This decision comes amid concerns over a recent incident where a high school distributed a "wartime state youth service consent form," sparking public debate and parental anxiety.
MOE Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) apologized on Wednesday (Oct. 16) for the incident, assuring that young students will not be sent to the battlefield.
The MOE pointed out that since Nov. 14, 2001, schools have organized youth service personnel under the "All-out Defense Mobilization Readiness Act" (全民防衛動員準備法).
On May 22, 2023, the ministry issued the "2024 School Youth Service Mobilization Readiness Classification Plan," stipulating voluntary student participation, with data retained by schools for reference.
The ministry clarified that the distribution of the consent form did not relate to recent cross-strait tensions or wartime conditions. Following controversy over a draft amendment to the act by the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) in 2023, the ministry reviewed and revised the scope of school youth service.
The plan restricts youth service activities to assisting local governments with evacuation guidance, community care, public service, and administrative support.
The ministry aims to enhance campus safety and response capabilities, emphasizing student willingness and educational value.
Officials have reviewed and adjusted the plan's content and will develop comprehensive explanations to alleviate public concerns.
