South Korea Bans Smartphones in Schools from 2026

South Korea has officially passed a bill banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during class hours in schools, making it one of the first countries to enshrine such restrictions in law.

The new regulation will take effect in March 2026, targeting the growing concern over smartphone addiction among children and teenagers.

According to the BBC, the bipartisan law was passed convincingly, with 115 votes in favor out of 163 lawmakers present. Lawmakers, teachers, and parents argue that smartphones are negatively affecting students’ academic performance, focus, and social interaction.

The decision follows years of debate, with research showing that excessive phone use can harm brain development and emotional growth. Nearly 43% of South Koreans aged 10–19 report being overly dependent on their phones, according to a 2024 government survey.

Proponents believe the law will give students more time to study, socialize, and take part in school activities. Parents like Choi Eun-young, mother of a 14-year-old in Seoul, say children “just can’t seem to put their smartphones down,” noting that even during conversations with friends, they quickly turn back to their devices.

Teachers have also raised concerns about disruptions in the classroom. The Korean Federation of Teachers’ Association welcomed the bill, saying it provides a stronger legal framework to restrict devices during school hours.

The law prohibits smartphone use only during class hours, but also gives teachers the authority to restrict devices within school premises. Exceptions include students with disabilities, emergencies, or use for educational purposes.

However, critics argue the law does not address the root causes of phone dependency. Some students believe the pressure of South Korea’s competitive college entrance exam (Suneung) plays a bigger role in their stress levels than phone use.

High schooler Seo Min-joon, 18, said: “Rather than simply taking phones away, the first step should be teaching students what they can do without them.”

South Korea joins other countries, such as France, Finland, Italy, and China, which have introduced similar restrictions. However, South Korea’s decision to legislate a nationwide ban makes it one of the strictest examples globally.

The ban is expected to reshape how students interact, learn, and manage technology as the country works to tackle smartphone addiction head-on.