South Korea Passes Law to Ban Mobile Phones in Classrooms from March 2026

South Korea has passed a new law banning the use of mobile phones and other smart devices in school classrooms, in a nationwide effort to address rising concerns over smartphone addiction and the impact of social media on students’ learning.

The bill, approved on Wednesday and announced by officials on Thursday, will come into effect in March 2026, according to a National Assembly spokeswoman.

As one of the world’s most digitally connected nations, South Korea now joins countries like Australia and the Netherlands in implementing tighter controls on student phone usage in schools.

According to a statement from the Education Ministry, the law will prohibit smartphones in classrooms except when used as assistive tools for students with disabilities or for specific educational purposes. It also provides a clear legal framework to:

“Restrict the possession and use of such devices to protect students’ right to learn and support teachers’ activities.”

The bill was introduced by lawmakers including Cho Jung-hun of the opposition People Power Party, who acknowledged the longstanding debate over the issue, describing it as “contentious amid concerns over human rights violations.”

However, momentum shifted after the National Human Rights Commission of Korea revised its position, concluding that limiting mobile phone use in schools does not infringe on rights, given the documented negative impact on learning and emotional well-being.

Lawmakers said the legislation aims to reduce social conflict by:

“Clearly defining rules on smart device use in schools.”

Still, the law has sparked criticism from some corners. The left-wing Jinbo Party has strongly opposed the measure, calling it an infringement on students’ digital and educational rights.

In a statement, the party said:

“This law prevents adolescents from learning to make responsible decisions on their own and deprives them of opportunities to adapt to the digital environment.”

Despite the backlash, the government is moving forward with plans to implement the law next year, reflecting growing global concern over the influence of smartphones and social media on young minds.