South Korea Bans Smartphones in Classrooms: A Bold Move Against Digital Addiction
South Korea has taken a strict step to curb growing smartphone addiction among students by banning the use of mobile phones inside classrooms. Starting from March next year, the rule will apply across all schools in the country.
Why Did South Korea Impose This Ban?
Authorities highlighted that excessive smartphone use is affecting students’ health, concentration, and sleep cycles. Lawmaker Cho Jung-hoon, who proposed the rule, explained that many children stay active on Instagram and TikTok until 2–3 AM, resulting in red eyes and fatigue the next morning. Similar bans have already been implemented in countries like Australia and the Netherlands, where positive improvements in student focus were reported.
Survey Results Show Rising Concerns
According to South Korea’s Ministry of Education:
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37% of middle and high school students admitted that social media affects their daily life.
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22% reported anxiety when unable to access apps like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.
With 98% of the population owning smartphones and 99% actively using the internet, the government believes stricter action is necessary to protect young minds.
Exceptions to the Rule
The ban will not apply to:
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Students with disabilities who rely on devices for communication.
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Educational purposes where digital tools are essential for learning.
Global Context
Other nations have also taken similar steps. For example, Australia recently banned social media for teenagers (BBC Report), while the Netherlands saw clear improvement in classroom discipline after restricting phone usage (The Guardian).
South Korea’s move reflects a global concern over the mental health impact of smartphones on young people. Experts believe this could set an example for other countries considering similar restrictions.