South Korea has officially passed a law banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during school class hours, in a landmark move aimed at curbing smartphone addiction among children and teenagers. The bill, which takes effect in March 2026, was approved by 115 out of 163 lawmakers present, making South Korea one of the few countries to enshrine such restrictions into law.
The measure follows mounting evidence that excessive phone use hampers academic performance and social development. A 2024 government survey found that nearly 43% of South Koreans aged 10 to 19 are overly dependent on their devices almost double the national average. Parents and educators argue that this growing trend is not only distracting students from their studies but also interfering with friendships and extracurricular activities.
“When they go to school, they’re supposed to study and build relationships. Yet even while chatting with friends, they quickly return to their phones,” said Choi Eun-young, a mother of a 14-year-old in Seoul. Concerns about online bullying and harsh insults exchanged on social media have also fueled support for the ban.
The law gives teachers the authority to restrict phone use across school premises while allowing exemptions for students with disabilities, educational purposes, or emergencies. However, the bill has drawn mixed reactions from educators. The conservative Korean Federation of Teachers’ Association welcomed the move, citing widespread classroom disruptions, while other teacher groups voiced unease about infringing on students’ rights.
Students themselves remain divided. Some, like 18-year-old Seo Min-joon, argue that the ban misses the point. “Students would still be on their phones while commuting or lying in bed at night,” he said, calling instead for education on healthy device use. Others see the law as an additional pressure in a society already dominated by the intense Suneung college entrance exam system, which dictates academic and career prospects.
While South Korea joins countries like France, Finland, and China in restricting student phone use, the debate highlights a deeper question: whether banning devices outright addresses the root of addiction or simply masks it.
