South Korea Enacts Law Prohibiting Smartphone Use in Classrooms Beginning in 2026
South Korea has emerged as one of the pioneering countries to legally implement a ban on smartphones in classrooms, highlighting concerns over addiction risks.
South Korea has enacted a significant bill that prohibits the use of mobile phones and smart devices during class hours, joining the ranks of countries that are limiting children’s screen time in response to increasing worries about smartphone addiction.
The legislation, set to take effect in March 2026, received approval on Wednesday with 115 votes in favor from the 163 lawmakers present. This initiative stems from a collaborative effort across party lines to address what specialists identify as an escalating crisis in health and education.
Lawmakers, parents, and teachers contend that smartphone usage is diminishing students’ academic performance, social skills, and emotional well-being. “Kids nowadays really struggle to detach from their smartphones,” remarked Choi Eun-young, a mother of a 14-year-old in Seoul. “Even while engaging in conversation with friends, they swiftly return to their phones, which inevitably disrupts the learning process.”
A 2024 government survey indicates that almost a quarter of South Korea’s 51 million population is classified as heavily reliant on their phones. Among individuals aged 10 to 19, the percentage rises to 43%, with over a third of teenagers acknowledging their difficulty in managing their time on social media.
Although numerous schools have implemented restrictions on phone usage, South Korea stands out as one of the rare countries to establish such a ban as a legal requirement. France and Finland have established comparable restrictions in primary schools, whereas Italy, the Netherlands, and China have implemented more extensive regulations across all educational institutions.
The new law bans the use of devices during lessons while empowering teachers to enforce restrictions throughout the school premises. It also requires schools to teach students about healthy digital habits. There are exemptions for students with disabilities, individuals utilizing devices for educational purposes, or in cases of emergencies.
The bill’s sponsor, opposition MP Cho Jung-hun, expressed that his motivation stemmed from international examples and scientific evidence, stating, “There is significant proof that smartphone addiction has extremely harmful effects on students’ brain development and emotional growth.”
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Educators are split. The conservative Korean Federation of Teachers’ Association endorsed the bill, pointing to classroom disruptions and cases where students reacted verbally or physically when their phones were taken away. Almost 70% of teachers surveyed indicated issues related to phones.
The Korean Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union chose not to endorse the law, contending that it could potentially violate students’ rights. Certain members suggest that the underlying problem resides within South Korea’s highly competitive education system.
“Students lack venues to socialize beyond cram schools, relying instead on KakaoTalk or Instagram,” stated Cho Young-sun, a high school teacher.
Students are also doubtful. Seo Min-joon, 18, contended that the ban is merely a superficial solution, stating, “Banning phones during class hours doesn’t achieve much, because students would still be on their phones while commuting or lying in bed at night.” There has been a lack of genuine education regarding healthy usage, merely resulting in confiscation.
For numerous individuals, the issue extends beyond mere screens.
The demanding college entrance exam in South Korea, referred to as Suneung, significantly influences the lives of young individuals. A 13-year-old student mentioned that he barely had time to use his phone due to late-night tutoring and homework commitments. “Instead of just confiscating phones, the initial approach should focus on educating students about what they can accomplish without them,” he stated.
