South Korea has passed a law that bans smartphones and other smart devices during school hours. The country now joins a growing list of nations restricting students’ phone use.
The law will take effect in March 2026. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties supported it. They say it aims to reduce smartphone addiction, which more research links to harmful effects on young people.
Growing pressure from parents and teachers
Supporters argue that phones disrupt lessons and weaken academic results. They say children lose valuable time scrolling instead of studying or building friendships. Parents fear smartphones dominate their children’s daily lives, leaving little room for hobbies or learning.
Students, however, remain sceptical. Many question how teachers can enforce the rule and whether it really tackles addiction.
The bill cleared parliament on Wednesday with 115 votes in favour out of 163 members present.
Other nations already limiting use
South Korean schools already impose partial bans. Finland and France restrict phones for younger pupils, while Italy, the Netherlands and China enforce limits in all schools. South Korea stands out by writing the restriction into law.
“Children just cannot put their smartphones down,” says Choi Eun-young, a mother of a 14-year-old in Seoul.
Alarming figures among teenagers
The challenge goes beyond classrooms. A 2024 survey found nearly a quarter of South Korea’s 51 million people depend heavily on their phones. Among 10 to 19-year-olds, that figure jumps to 43%.
More than a third of teenagers admit they cannot stop scrolling through online videos. Parents say the habit undermines studies, friendships, and social development.
“When they go to school, they should study and build friendships,” Ms Choi explains. “But phones keep distracting them and harm learning.”
Parents also raise concerns about cyberbullying, where students hurl extremely harsh insults online.
Politicians highlight medical concerns
Cho Jung-hun, the opposition lawmaker who introduced the bill, said he drew inspiration from similar laws abroad. He insists research shows smartphone addiction harms brain growth and emotional health.
The law bans use during class but allows exemptions for education, emergencies and assistive devices for students with disabilities. Schools will also need to teach responsible phone use.
Teachers divided on the new law
Educators disagree on the measure. The conservative Korean Federation of Teachers’ Association backs it, saying it gives schools stronger legal tools. A survey found 70% of teachers faced disruptions from phones, with some students reacting aggressively when told to stop using them.
But the Korean Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union has not taken a formal stance. Some members fear the law restricts student rights. Critics also argue children rely on apps like KakaoTalk to socialise outside of school and tutoring centres.
Exam culture still the bigger obstacle
Some teachers warn the ban distracts from the real issue: South Korea’s exam system. The college entrance test, Suneung, lasts eight hours and shapes university admissions, careers, and income.
Students begin preparing from their first school year. A 13-year-old student said he has no time for addiction, as tutoring and homework often last past midnight.
Others argue education should be the focus. “The first step should be teaching students what they can do without phones,” says 18-year-old Seo Min-joon, who campaigns against the ban.
He believes the measure changes little. “Students will still use their phones at night or on the way home,” he says. “We never learned healthy use, only faced confiscation.”
