• South Korea has passed a law banning smartphone use in classrooms, effective March 2026.
• The legislation aims to curb smartphone addiction linked to declining academic performance.
• Parents and educators support the ban, although some opposition remains regarding its effectiveness.

South Korea has enacted a nationwide law prohibiting the use of mobile phones and other digital devices in school classrooms, with the regulation set to take effect in March 2026. This initiative is aimed at addressing growing concerns about smartphone addiction and its detrimental effects on young people's academic performance and social interactions, according to BBC, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

The law garnered strong bipartisan support, passing with 115 votes in favor out of 163 lawmakers present. The decision was influenced by rising evidence showing the adverse effects of smartphone overuse, particularly among minors, as noted by lawmaker Cho Jung-hun from the opposition People Power Party. He emphasized the alarming condition of students who often stay up late using social media, to the detriment of their health and learning abilities, according to South China Morning Post and TRT Global.

Surveys indicate a significant issue, with approximately 37% of middle and high school students acknowledging that social media affects their daily lives, and 22% expressing anxiety when unable to access it, as reported by Reuters, BBC, and South China Morning Post. Many schools had existing restrictions, which the new law seeks to formalize and standardize across the country.

While the legislation allows exemptions for students with disabilities and for educational purposes, it has faced criticism from some advocacy groups who argue that it infringes on children's rights. They raise concerns that merely banning phones does not tackle the underlying pressures students face, such as intense competition in academics and social dynamics related to the use of technology, according to Channel News Asia and TRT Global.

Parents and educators largely support the regulation, citing the need for improved student focus during school hours. Many report that excessive smartphone use disrupts learning and affects social skills. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether this policy can effectively address these complex issues surrounding youth technology use, as indicated by research and feedback from students themselves, according to India Times and Reuters.