South Korea has passed a law banning smartphones and other smart devices during school hours. The country joins a global trend restricting phone use to protect students’ education and wellbeing.
The law will take effect in March 2026. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties backed it. They argue it is needed to tackle smartphone addiction, which research increasingly links to negative effects.
Parents and lawmakers push for limits
Supporters say phones disrupt lessons and harm academic performance. Children spend too much time scrolling instead of studying or socialising. Parents worry devices prevent their children from forming friendships or engaging in activities.
Students remain sceptical. Many question 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.
Global examples of classroom restrictions
Many South Korean schools already limit phone use. Finland and France restrict phones for younger students, while Italy, the Netherlands and China apply nationwide bans. South Korea now stands out for 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 dependency rises
The problem extends 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%.
Over a third of teens admit they struggle to stop scrolling through videos. Parents warn this reduces time for learning, 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 fear cyberbullying, with children exchanging harsh insults online.
Lawmakers highlight health concerns
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, and assistive devices for students with disabilities. Schools must also provide lessons on responsible phone use.
Teachers divided over the measure
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 limits student rights. Critics also note students rely on apps like KakaoTalk to stay connected outside school and cram centres.
Exam pressures remain the bigger challenge
Some teachers argue the law overlooks South Korea’s deeper problem: the college entrance exam, Suneung. The eight-hour test determines university admission, careers, and income.
Students prepare for it 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 students call for education rather than confiscation. “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 their commute,” he says. “There has been no real teaching on healthy use, only confiscation.”
