South Korea has enacted a groundbreaking law prohibiting the use of mobile phones and smart devices during school hours, in a move aimed at curbing digital addiction among students and improving classroom focus.
The legislation, passed Wednesday with 115 votes in favor out of 163 lawmakers present, is set to take effect in March 2026. It marks a rare, legally binding national ban on student device use, amid rising concerns about the impact of screen time on academic performance and mental health.
Policymakers say the law addresses an urgent issue. A 2024 government survey found that 43% of South Koreans aged 10 to 19 are classified as heavily dependent on smartphones—nearly double the national average. Many students reportedly struggle to control social media usage, even during school hours.
Although many schools already impose restrictions, the new law formalizes those rules and expands authority. Teachers will now have the power to enforce phone bans beyond the classroom, including throughout school premises. Exceptions will be made for educational use, emergency situations, or for students with disabilities.
The law also requires schools to provide instruction on responsible digital habits.
“This legislation is based on global examples and clear scientific evidence,” said opposition lawmaker Cho Jung-hun, who introduced the bill. “Smartphone addiction has demonstrably harmful effects on students’ brain development and emotional well-being.”
South Korea joins a growing list of countries that have moved to restrict digital device use in education. France and Finland have introduced similar rules for primary schools, while China, Italy, and the Netherlands have adopted broader national policies.
Teachers’ groups offered mixed reactions. The Korean Federation of Teachers’ Association welcomed the law, citing frequent classroom disruptions and a rise in behavioral issues during phone confiscations. According to a recent survey, nearly 70% of educators reported student problems tied to smartphone use.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo praised the bipartisan effort, calling it a “necessary step to protect young minds in a rapidly digitizing society.”
