South Korea Passes Nationwide Smartphone Ban in Schools for 2026

South Korea has passed a nationwide law banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during class hours in schools, effective March 2026, to combat rising smartphone addiction among students. The legislation, supported by a majority of lawmakers, aims to improve academic performance and social interactions, addressing concerns that excessive phone use harms brain development, emotional growth, and leads to classroom disruptions. While exceptions exist for educational purposes, emergencies, and students with disabilities, the law empowers teachers to restrict phone use throughout school premises. This move aligns South Korea with countries like France, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, and China, which have implemented similar restrictions, though South Korea's law formalizes and standardizes the approach nationwide. The initiative has garnered mixed reactions from educators, with some supporting the firmer legal basis for enforcement and others worried about potential infringements on students' rights. Parents and teachers emphasize that restricting smartphone use may help students focus better on academics and reduce distractions, although critics argue that underlying stress and screen dependency issues must also be addressed.