South Korea set to ban phones in classrooms

South Korea has officially passed a new bill to ban the use of mobile phones and digital devices in school classrooms nationwide, starting March 2026. The decision comes amid rising concerns over excessive social media use among students and its negative impact on their focus, sleep patterns, and mental health. With this move, South Korea joins a growing list of countries that have introduced restrictions on smartphone use among minors.

The New Law: What It Means

On Wednesday, South Korea’s parliament passed legislation that prohibits students from using mobile phones and other digital gadgets inside classrooms. The bill gained bipartisan support, reflecting growing agreement among lawmakers that digital addiction among youth has reached worrying levels.

The ban will take effect in March 2026 and is expected to standardize rules across the nation, as many schools had already implemented their own restrictions informally.

Why South Korea Is Taking Action

South Korea is one of the world’s most digitally connected nations. A 2022–2023 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 99% of South Koreans are online and 98% own a smartphone, making it the highest among 27 countries studied.

While digital connectivity has boosted access to information and entertainment, it has also led to growing concerns about overuse, especially among school-going children. Lawmakers and educators have pointed to rising cases of digital addiction, where students spend late hours on apps like Instagram and TikTok, leading to poor sleep and reduced focus in classrooms.

Rising Social Media Concerns Among Students

A government survey conducted by South Korea’s Education Ministry highlighted the extent of the problem. About 37% of middle- and high-school students admitted that social media affects their daily lives, while 22% said they feel anxious if they cannot access their accounts.

During the parliamentary session, lawmaker Cho Jung-hun from the opposition People Power Party and sponsor of the bill, emphasized the urgency of the ban. He stated:

“Our youth’s addiction to social media is at a serious level now. Our kids, their eyes are red every morning. They are on Instagram until 2 or 3 a.m.”

Global Moves Against Digital Addiction

South Korea is not alone in addressing this challenge. Countries around the world are increasingly restricting phone and social media use among young people.

• Australia recently expanded its pioneering ban on social media access for teenagers.

• The Netherlands introduced a classroom ban on mobile phones, which has shown improvements in students’ focus, according to a July study.

By introducing this ban, South Korea aims to align with global efforts to ensure better academic concentration and protect mental health among students.

Exceptions to the Ban

The legislation provides flexibility in certain situations. Students with disabilities or special needs will still be allowed to use digital devices where required. Additionally, phones and tablets can be permitted when needed strictly for educational purposes.

This ensures that the law does not hinder inclusive learning or digital integration in classrooms where it adds real value.

Opposition and Criticism

Despite strong support in parliament, some youth advocacy groups have opposed the move, arguing that banning smartphones in schools could infringe upon children’s rights. They believe that instead of outright prohibition, there should be a focus on digital literacy programs to teach responsible usage.

Critics also warn that excessive restrictions may lead to resentment among students and fail to address the root causes of digital addiction.

Conclusion

With the new bill, South Korea is taking a firm stance against smartphone overuse in schools. The ban, effective from March 2026, underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding children’s mental health and academic performance. While some groups argue for more balanced solutions, the decision reflects a growing global trend of limiting digital distractions in classrooms.

As digital connectivity continues to shape the younger generation, the debate between regulation and responsible usage is expected to grow. South Korea’s move could set an important precedent for other highly connected nations grappling with similar challenges.