
South Korea’s National Assembly has given the green light to a bill restricting students’ use of smartphones and other digital devices in classrooms, The Korea Times reported, citing Yonhap.
According to the outlet, the revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act, passed on Aug. 27, prohibits elementary, middle and high school students from using smartphones and similar devices during class starting March 1, 2026. Officials pointed to concerns about the potential negative effects of device use.
The country’s Ministry of Education had been preparing such restrictions since 2023 amid growing worries over digital addiction among youth, with the law now providing a legal basis for the agency’s measures.
The outlet noted that exceptions will still apply for students with disabilities, as well as in emergencies and for educational purposes.