South Korea Bans Phones in Classrooms Nationwide
South Korea has taken a decisive step in addressing the growing concern over smartphone addiction among children and teenagers.
From the next school year in March 2026, a new law will ban the use of mobile phones and smart devices during class hours, making the country one of the few to enshrine such restrictions in law.
The legislation, passed with a strong majority, comes after growing evidence that excessive phone use can harm students’ academic performance and reduce the time available for studying, socializing, and participating in school activities.
While most South Korean schools already impose some form of smartphone restriction, this new law standardizes the approach nationwide.
Parents and educators have welcomed the move, citing both the distraction phones create in classrooms and the rise of cyberbullying on social media.
Nearly half of South Korean youth between the ages of 10 and 19 report struggling to control their screen time, with many confessing that social media scrolling often takes precedence over friendships, learning, and other meaningful activities.
Critics, particularly students, question how the ban will be enforced and whether it truly addresses the underlying causes of smartphone dependency. Yet the law reflects a broader concern: ensuring that young people can engage fully with their education and school life without constant digital interference.
By limiting the hold of mobile devices in classrooms, South Korea is affirming a fundamental principle: every child has the right to focus, learn, and grow in an environment that prioritizes education and personal development.
