South Korea bans phone use in classrooms nationwide from 2026

South Korea has become one of the few countries in the world to pass a nationwide law banning phone use in school classrooms. The bill, passed with strong parliamentary support, will take effect from March 2026. It restricts students from using mobile phones and smart devices during class hours, with exceptions made for emergencies, educational use, and students with disabilities or special needs. The law was introduced amid growing concern over smartphone addiction and its impact on children’s academic performance, focus, and mental health. A 2024 survey showed that nearly a quarter of South Koreans are dependent on their phones, a figure that rises to 43% among teenagers.

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Parents have welcomed the decision, citing fears that social media is not only distracting but also a source of bullying. Teachers, however, remain divided. A conservative teachers’ union has backed the move, saying it gives educators a stronger legal basis to enforce restrictions. Their surveys showed that smartphone use was already disrupting classrooms, with some students reacting aggressively when asked to put their phones away. Supporters of the law argue that it will help restore focus in class and reduce harmful dependency on devices, but critics question how effective it will be.

Critics of South Korea’s new classroom phone ban argue it does not address the root causes of stress and addiction among students. Many point to the country’s demanding education system, which revolves around the Suneung, a gruelling eight-hour college entrance exam that shapes young people’s futures. Students spend years preparing for it through long school hours and private tutoring sessions, often studying past midnight. Some argue that in such an environment, phones are not the real distraction rather, they are one of the few outlets for social interaction and relaxation.

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Students themselves have voiced scepticism. Some believe that banning phones only during class hours will not solve the problem, as teenagers will still use their devices late at night or while commuting. Others stress that without proper education on healthy device use, the policy amounts to confiscation rather than meaningful change. Teachers who oppose the law warn it could infringe on students’ rights to communication, especially since apps like KakaoTalk and Instagram are central to how young people connect with friends. Still, lawmakers insist the measure is backed by science, with research showing that excessive smartphone use harms brain development and emotional growth. Debate continues, but the law will soon reshape school life nationwide.

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