South Korea has passed a law banning smartphones and other smart devices during school hours. The country joins a growing list of nations limiting phone use to protect students’ learning and wellbeing.
The law will take effect in March 2026. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties supported the measure. They say it is necessary to curb smartphone addiction, which research increasingly links to harmful effects.
Parents and lawmakers push for action
Supporters argue phones disrupt lessons and harm academic performance. Children spend too much time scrolling instead of studying or socialising. Parents worry devices stop their children from building friendships or pursuing other activities.
Students remain sceptical. Many ask how the law will be enforced and whether it addresses the root causes of addiction.
The bill passed parliament on Wednesday with 115 votes in favour out of 163 members present.
International examples of classroom bans
Many South Korean schools already restrict phone use. Finland and France limit phones for younger pupils, while Italy, the Netherlands and China apply bans across all schools. South Korea now goes further by making the restriction legally binding.
“Children just cannot put their phones down,” says Choi Eun-young, mother of a 14-year-old in Seoul.
Teen smartphone use continues to rise
The problem stretches beyond classrooms. A 2024 government survey showed nearly a quarter of South Korea’s 51 million citizens rely heavily on their phones. Among teenagers aged 10 to 19, the figure jumps to 43%.
More than a third of teens admit they cannot stop scrolling through videos. Parents warn this reduces time for studying, socialising, and other healthy activities.
“When children go to school, they should focus on lessons and friendships,” Ms Choi explains. “Phones keep distracting them from both.”
Some parents also express concern about cyberbullying, where children exchange harsh insults online.
Lawmakers highlight health risks
Cho Jung-hun, the opposition lawmaker who introduced the bill, says he acted after observing similar measures abroad. He points to scientific evidence showing smartphone addiction harms brain development and emotional growth.
The law bans phones during class but allows exemptions for education, emergencies, or assistive devices for students with disabilities. Schools must also teach responsible smartphone use.
Teachers divided on the ban
Educators remain split. The conservative Korean Federation of Teachers’ Association supports the law, saying it strengthens discipline. A survey found 70% of teachers reported classroom disruptions from phones, with some citing aggressive student reactions.
The Korean Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union has not taken an official position. Some members argue the law restricts student rights. Critics also note students rely on apps like KakaoTalk to stay connected outside school and cram centres.
Exam culture overshadows the policy
Some teachers warn the ban ignores South Korea’s larger challenge: the college entrance exam, Suneung. The eight-hour test shapes university admissions, career prospects, and future income.
Students prepare from their first school day. A 13-year-old said he has no time for phone addiction because tutoring and homework often keep him awake past midnight.
Many young people argue education, not confiscation, is the solution. “We should learn how to live without phones,” says 18-year-old Seo Min-joon, who opposes the law.
He warns the measure will have limited effect. “Students will still use phones at night or on the way to school,” he says. “There has been no real teaching on healthy use, only confiscation.”
