South Korea Bans Mobile Phones in Classrooms Nationwide Starting 2026

Nationwide Classroom Device Ban

• 🇰🇷 South Korea has passed a bill to ban the use of mobile phones and other digital devices in school classrooms nationwide.
• 🗓️ This ban is set to take effect starting in March 2026.

Growing Concerns Over Youth Social Media Use

• 📱 The legislation arises from growing concern about the impact of heavy social media use among young people.
• 📊 A survey indicated that about 37% of middle and high school students feel social media affects their daily lives.
• 😟 Furthermore, 22% of students experience anxiety when they cannot access their social media accounts.

Digital Connectivity and Bipartisan Support

• 🌐 South Korea is recognized as one of the world's most digitally connected countries, with 99% of residents online and 98% owning a smartphone.
• ✅ The bill to impose the ban received bipartisan support during the parliamentary vote.

International Precedents for Device Bans

• 🇦🇺 In Australia, a ban on social media for teenagers has recently been expanded.
• 🇳🇱 A study in the Netherlands found that a ban on mobile phones in schools has improved student focus.