South Korea has passed a law banning smartphones in schools, citing concerns over student mental health, classroom disruption, and tech dependence. Will it work?
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| As South Korea prepares to ban smartphones in schools by 2026, experts and students question whether it's a real solution or a temporary fix. Image: Symbolic Image |
Seoul, South Korea – August 28, 2025:
South Korea has become one of the first countries to pass a nationwide law banning smartphones in schools, sparking both praise and concern about its long-term effectiveness. Passed by the National Assembly with 115 of 163 lawmakers voting in favor, the law is set to take effect in March 2026 and aims to address mounting issues of digital addiction among children and adolescents.
The legislation gives teachers sweeping authority to restrict phone usage anywhere on school grounds, not just in the classroom. Exceptions will be made for emergencies, educational use, and for students with disabilities who require assistive technologies.
This move comes amid rising global scrutiny of how smartphones affect young people. Research has linked excessive phone use to falling academic performance, mental health issues, and weakened social development. South Korea’s own data reveals that 43% of teenagers aged 10 to 19 are heavily reliant on smartphones—nearly double the national average.
South Korea is not alone in its efforts. Countries like France, Finland, and China have already implemented restrictions, and in Australia’s Victoria and New South Wales, phones are banned at all school levels. A recent Dutch study even linked phone bans to improved student focus.
Many South Korean parents have voiced support for the measure. "School should be a place to learn and build friendships, but students are too distracted," said Choi Eun-yong, the mother of a 14-year-old. Another parent highlighted growing concerns over cyberbullying, which is increasingly prevalent on youth-targeted platforms.
Teachers also welcome the move. A recent survey by the conservative Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations found that 70% of educators reported disruptions due to phone use. Some had even experienced verbal or physical aggression while trying to enforce existing rules.
"This law gives us the legal support we’ve needed," said one teacher in Seoul. "We’re not anti-technology, but we need boundaries."
Not everyone is convinced. Progressive teacher unions have expressed hesitation, arguing the policy might sideline more serious issues like academic pressure, mental health, and social isolation. Some members fear the law could infringe on student rights without offering long-term solutions.
Many students, too, are skeptical. “Taking away the phone won’t fix the real problem,” said Seo Min-joon, 18. “You have to teach us how to use our time meaningfully without it.” Another student, age 13, noted that their packed schedule leaves little time for phone use anyway—hinting that South Korea’s hyper-competitive academic culture might be the true stressor.
Opposition lawmaker Cho Jung-hoon, who introduced the bill, pointed to global trends as well as medical evidence: “Smartphone addiction is harming our students’ brain and mental development.” While the ban is framed as a protective measure, it also raises a key question: will simply removing phones address deeper cultural and educational challenges?
South Korea’s decision may lead to more disciplined classrooms and fewer digital distractions, but experts suggest it must be part of a broader strategy. Teaching digital literacy, promoting mental wellness, and rethinking academic pressures could be just as important as the ban itself.
South Korea's smartphone ban in schools is a landmark policy in a country known for both its technological advancement and intense educational environment. It addresses a very visible problem—but whether it confronts the root causes remains uncertain. As the law’s 2026 implementation approaches, South Korea—and the world—will be watching to see if control leads to true change, or if more comprehensive solutions are still needed.