South Korea Bans Smartphones in Schools

South Korea has officially banned the use of smartphones and smart devices in schools, joining the ranks of a handful of countries that have passed such laws.

On Wednesday, the National Assembly passed the bill with the support of 115 out of 163 lawmakers. The law will come into effect in March 2026, according to a TRT Global report.

In recent years, global concerns have grown over smartphone addiction among children and teenagers. Studies show that excessive use negatively affects education quality, mental health, and social development.

France and Finland had earlier imposed partial bans, mainly targeting younger students. Italy, the Netherlands, and China have enforced comparatively stricter restrictions. In Australia’s Victoria and New South Wales states, phone use is banned at all school levels. A recent Dutch study found that student concentration improved after a school phone ban.

Teachers Empowered
Under South Korea’s new law, teachers will be able to regulate phone use not only in classrooms but throughout school grounds. However, students with disabilities will be allowed to use necessary assistive technology. Exceptions will also apply in emergencies and for educational purposes.

“Research and medical evidence show that smartphone addiction severely harms students’ brain development and mental growth,” said opposition lawmaker Cho Jung-hoon, who proposed the bill. He added that since such examples are rising worldwide, it was urgent for South Korea as well.

A government survey found that nearly 43% of South Koreans aged 10–19 are dependent on smartphones—almost double the national average. The country is one of the most digitally connected in the world; according to Pew Research Center, in 2022–2023, 99% of South Koreans were online and 98% used smartphones. More than one-third of teenagers reported struggling to control their social media use.

Parents and Teachers React
Many parents and teachers have supported the new law, believing it will help students focus more on studies and social activities.

“School should be about learning, building friendships, and engaging in activities. But because of phones, they cannot concentrate,” said Choi Yoon-young, mother of a 14-year-old in Seoul. Another parent, Kim San, expressed concern that social media is fueling alarming levels of swearing and cyberbullying among children.

Teachers’ groups are divided. The conservative Korean Federation of Teachers’ Associations backed the law, saying it provides a stronger basis to tackle classroom disruptions. A survey by the group found that 70% of teachers faced problems due to phone use, with some even suffering verbal or physical harassment while enforcing rules.

Meanwhile, the progressive Korean Teachers and Education Workers’ Union has taken no official stance. Some of its members argue the law restricts students’ rights and ignores deeper issues like excessive study pressure or social isolation.

Students Divided
Not all students see the ban as a solution.
“Simply taking phones away is not the answer. First, we should learn how to spend time without them,” said 18-year-old student Seo Min-jun, adding that even if phones are banned at school, screen time won’t decrease outside.

On the other hand, a 13-year-old said their busy schedule filled with homework and coaching leaves little time for phone addiction anyway.

By enforcing this law, South Korea has joined the list of countries banning smartphones in schools. But the question remains—will this truly reduce teenagers’ dependency on technology, or does the root of the problem lie elsewhere?