South Korea has passed a bill banning smartphones in classrooms, with the law set to take effect in March 2026. Legislators from both parties supported the move, citing rising concerns about student addiction and mental health.
Opposition lawmaker Cho Jung-hun, who proposed the bill, said he was influenced by growing medical evidence and similar measures abroad.
“There is significant scientific proof that smartphone addiction harms students’ brain development and emotional growth,” Cho said.
Out of 163 lawmakers present, 115 voted in favor. Supporters argue the ban will reduce distractions and help students focus on learning. Parents and teachers also report that excessive smartphone use harms academic performance, extracurricular engagement, and social interaction.
The law bans phones in class but lets teachers restrict use across school grounds. Exceptions include emergencies, students with disabilities, or learning-related purposes.
Teacher groups remain divided. The conservative Korean Federation of Teachers’ Associations praised the decision, noting surveys show 70% of teachers face phone-related classroom disruptions. They said the law gives schools “a much firmer legal basis” for enforcement.
Meanwhile, the Korean Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union refused to endorse the bill, saying it risks infringing on student rights.
Critics argue that phones are not the root problem. They blame South Korea’s demanding academic culture and the high-pressure Suneung university entrance exam.
“Students have no space to connect except through apps like KakaoTalk or Instagram,” said Cho Young-sun, a high school teacher. “Targeting phones ignores the real challenges they face.”
“Rather than just taking phones away, we should be taught how to use them healthily,” said Seo Min-joon, an 18-year-old student. “Confiscation doesn’t solve anything; students will still be on their phones at home or on the bus.”
A government survey in 2024 showed that 25% of South Koreans overuse their phones, rising to 43% among teenagers. Over one-third of teens admitted struggling to control social media use.
The new law makes South Korea one of the few nations to impose an official classroom phone ban. Italy, the Netherlands, and China enforce nationwide restrictions, while France and Finland mostly apply bans in lower schools.
