South Korea bans mobile phones in schools

• Use of mobile phones in primary school classes will be prohibited starting from March 2026.
• The law received support from both parties in the parliament of South Korea.
• Some organizations are speaking out against the law, considering it a violation of children's rights.

South Korea has enacted a law that bans the use of mobile phones and other digital devices in classrooms across the country. This ban will come into effect starting March 2026 and is a response to the growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth.

The bill received support from both parties in parliament. Lawmakers, parents, and teachers assert that the use of smartphones harms students' academic performance and distracts them from their studies. According to survey data, nearly 37% of middle and high school students believe that social media negatively affects their daily lives.

Most schools in South Korea have already implemented some restrictions on the use of smartphones, and the new law formalizes these rules. It specifies that teachers have the right to prohibit the use of phones on school premises and also conduct training on the proper use of digital devices.

Some groups that advocate for youth rights have expressed discontent with this law, arguing that it infringes on children's rights. However, the law provides exceptions for students with disabilities and for educational purposes.

Critics of the law point out that the ban does not address the main problems that students face, such as pressure during entrance exams. They believe it is more important to teach children how to properly use their phones rather than simply banning them.

Tags: Politics