South Korea Takes Stand Against Smartphone Addiction
In a bold move, South Korea has enacted legislation that prohibits the use of mobile phones and smart devices during school hours, aiming to combat the growing issue of smartphone addiction among children and teens.
The law, set to be enforced starting from the upcoming school year in March 2026, is a bipartisan effort fueled by mounting evidence of the detrimental effects of excessive smartphone use. Lawmakers, parents, and educators have voiced concerns about how smartphones are negatively impacting students’ academic performance and diverting their attention from studying.
Despite its noble intentions, the ban has faced skepticism from some quarters, including students who question its effectiveness, broader implications, and whether it truly addresses the root cause of addiction.
The bill was approved decisively, garnering 115 votes in favor out of 163 members present during the Wednesday afternoon session. While many South Korean schools had already implemented some form of smartphone restrictions, the new law solidifies the ban at a national level.
Other countries, such as Finland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and China, have also taken steps to limit phone use in schools, but South Korea stands out as one of the few to enshrine the ban in law.
A mother in Seoul, Choi Eun-young, expressed her concern, noting that children today seem inseparable from their smartphones. Government data reveals that a significant portion of the population, especially those aged 10 to 19, struggle with smartphone dependency, affecting their social interactions and overall well-being.
Amidst the debate, some parents worry about cyberbullying and the negative impact of excessive screen time on their children’s mental health and academic pursuits.
The lawmaker behind the bill, Cho Jung-hun, cited scientific evidence pointing to the harmful effects of smartphone addiction on young minds, emphasizing the need for intervention.
While the law restricts phone use during class hours, it empowers teachers to enforce the ban on school premises and educate students on responsible device usage. Certain exemptions are granted for students with disabilities, educational purposes, and emergencies.
Teachers’ opinions on the ban vary, with one major teachers’ association supporting it for providing a legal basis to maintain discipline in classrooms, while another group expresses concerns about students’ rights to access their phones.
Some educators, like high school teacher Cho Young-sun, argue that the real issue lies in the intense competitive environment of South Korea’s education system, particularly the pressure surrounding the college entrance exam known as Suneung.
As discussions continue on the effectiveness of the smartphone ban, voices like 18-year-old student Seo Min-joon advocate for comprehensive education on healthy device usage rather than simply confiscating phones.
“There has been no real education about healthy use, just confiscation,” says Seo Min-joon, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach to tackle smartphone addiction among the youth.
This legislation marks a significant step in South Korea’s efforts to address smartphone addiction and promote a healthier relationship with technology among its younger population.
