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South Korea has approved a nationwide ban on mobile phones in school classrooms, joining other countries in efforts to reduce social media use among minors.
Officials announced on Thursday, August 28, that the bill—passed by the National Assembly the previous day—will take effect in March next year. The law prohibits smartphones and other smart devices in classrooms, except when used for educational purposes or as assistive tools for students with disabilities or special learning needs.
According to the Education Ministry, the measure is intended to safeguard students’ right to learn and help teachers maintain focus during lessons.
Lawmakers noted that the issue had been debated for years due to concerns over human rights. However, the National Human Rights Commission recently concluded that restrictions are justified given the negative impact of smartphones on learning and emotional well-being.
Despite this, the legislation has faced criticism from groups such as the left-wing Jinbo Party, which argues that the ban infringes on students’ digital rights and hinders their ability to develop responsible online habits.
The move places South Korea alongside nations such as Australia and the Netherlands, which have also tightened rules on mobile phone use in schools.
