South Korea has approved a law banning smartphones and other smart devices in classrooms. The country follows a growing global trend restricting phone use among children and teenagers.
The law will come into force in March 2026. Lawmakers from both government and opposition supported the decision. They argue it is needed to tackle smartphone addiction, which research increasingly links to harmful consequences.
Parents and lawmakers push for limits
Supporters say phones distract from lessons and reduce academic results. They argue children spend too much time scrolling instead of studying or socialising. Parents fear smartphones stop their children from developing friendships and healthy habits.
Students are more doubtful. Many ask how the law will be enforced and if it really addresses addiction.
On Wednesday, parliament passed the bill with 115 votes in favour out of 163 members present.
International trend of classroom bans
Many schools in South Korea already limit phone use. Other nations have also acted. Finland and France introduced bans for younger pupils. Italy, the Netherlands and China applied restrictions across all schools. South Korea now goes further by making it law.
“Kids just cannot put their phones down,” says Choi Eun-young, a mother of a 14-year-old in Seoul.
Teenagers most affected by addiction
The problem extends well beyond schools. A 2024 government survey showed nearly a quarter of South Korea’s 51 million citizens overuse their phones. Among 10 to 19-year-olds, the figure rises to 43%.
Over a third of teenagers admit they cannot stop scrolling through short videos. Parents worry this habit damages learning, friendships and emotional wellbeing.
“When children go to school, they should study and build relationships,” Ms Choi explains. “But phones keep distracting them.”
Some parents also raise concerns about cyberbullying, with young people trading harsh insults online.
Politicians stress health risks
Cho Jung-hun, the opposition lawmaker who introduced the bill, says he acted after seeing other countries restrict phones. He points to scientific evidence showing smartphone addiction harms brain development and emotional growth.
The law bans phones during class but allows use for education, emergencies or by students with disabilities. It also requires schools to teach responsible phone use.
Teachers split over the measure
Educators remain divided. The conservative Korean Federation of Teachers’ Association supports the law, saying it strengthens teachers’ authority. A survey found 70% of teachers face classroom disruptions linked to phones, with some reporting aggressive student reactions.
The Korean Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union has not taken a firm position. Some members argue the law infringes on student rights. Critics add that children rely on apps like KakaoTalk to stay connected outside school and cram centres.
Exams seen as the bigger challenge
Some teachers argue the ban ignores South Korea’s real problem: the intense pressure of the college entrance exam, Suneung. The gruelling eight-hour test determines access to universities, career paths and income.
Students prepare for it from their first day of school. A 13-year-old explained he has no time for addiction because tutoring and homework last until midnight.
Others call for education instead of bans. “We should learn what to do without phones,” says 18-year-old Seo Min-joon, who opposes the measure.
He warns it will not solve the problem. “Students will still use phones late at night or while commuting,” he says. “We never received real education on healthy use, only confiscation.”
