South Korea bans smartphones in elementary and middle schools

South Korea has passed a law banning the use of smartphones and other smart devices in elementary and middle school classrooms. The New York Times reports that the new rules will take effect in 2026.

The rules apply only to class time: students will still be able to use devices during breaks. The law does not establish specific penalties for violations, but it does give principals and teachers the right to restrict the use of gadgets on school grounds. Exceptions are only provided for emergencies and educational purposes.

In fact, most schools in the country already have internal rules restricting smartphones, adopted back in 2023. However, the new decision of the parliament makes the ban nationwide. Lawmakers emphasize that this step is a response to the rapid growth of addiction to gadgets. According to a 2024 government survey, almost 25% of the population is unable to control the time spent with a smartphone. The problem is especially acute among children and adolescents, where the figure reaches 43%.

Not everyone supports the innovation. Opponents believe that the restriction "violates the basic constitutional rights of students - freedom of communication, the right to privacy and the pursuit of happiness."

By the way, similar steps have already been taken by France, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands and China. In the US, the rules operate at the level of individual states: restrictions have been implemented in 14 of them, including New York, Florida and Virginia.