South Korea has passed a law banning smartphones and other smart devices during school hours. The country joins a growing number of nations restricting phone use to protect students’ learning and wellbeing.
The law will take effect in March 2026. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties supported it. They argue it is needed to curb smartphone addiction, which research increasingly links to harmful effects.
Parents and lawmakers push for action
Supporters say phones disrupt lessons and reduce academic performance. Children spend too much time scrolling instead of studying or socialising. Parents worry devices prevent children from forming friendships or taking part 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 trends in school phone restrictions
Many South Korean schools already limit phone use. Finland and France restrict phones for younger pupils, while Italy, the Netherlands and China enforce 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 use continues to rise
The problem stretches 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 rises to 43%.
Over a third of teens admit they struggle to stop scrolling through videos. Parents warn this reduces time for studying, 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 raise concerns about cyberbullying, where children exchange harsh insults online.
Lawmakers highlight health and emotional risks
Cho Jung-hun, the opposition lawmaker who introduced the bill, says he acted after observing similar measures abroad. He points to research showing smartphone addiction harms brain development and emotional growth.
The law bans phones during class but allows exemptions for education, emergencies, or assistive devices for students with disabilities. Schools must also teach responsible smartphone use.
Teachers split over the measure
Educators remain divided. 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 behaviour.
The Korean Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union has not taken an official position. Some members argue the law limits student rights. Critics note students rely on apps like KakaoTalk to stay connected outside school and cram centres.
Exam pressure overshadows the ban
Some teachers argue the law overlooks South Korea’s bigger challenge: the college entrance exam, Suneung. The eight-hour test determines university admissions, career prospects, and future income.
Students prepare from their first day of school. 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, not 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 impact. “Students will still use phones at night or on the commute,” he says. “There has been no real teaching on healthy use, only confiscation.”
