Since 2026, the South Korean National Assembly adopted a law that prohibits the use of smartphones in primary and secondary school classes. This arrangement covers only the course hours. There was no obstacle for students to use their phones outside the school. Nevertheless, teachers and managers will have the authority to prevent students from using their devices during the course.
The new arrangement opens the door to some exceptions. Students will be able to use their phones for an emergency or educational applications. Thus, while maintaining the beneficial aspects of technology, distracted effects are tried to be reduced. In addition, the school environment is aimed to make it safer and focused. In spite of everything, how these exceptions will be shaped in practice is already discussed.
South Korea had previously imposed restrictions
In fact, in South Korea, the limitations on the use of telephones in the class are not new. The instructions, published in 2023, limited the use of their devices to a certain extent. With this law, local practices become binding throughout the country. However, the government considers this step necessary to ensure integrity in the educational environment. In addition to all these, it is understood that the authority of teachers is strengthened by law.
Limits on telephone use are also supported by addictive data in society. A study in 2024 revealed that about one -fourth of adults had difficulty in controlling the use of telephone. In addition, this rate rises up to 43 percent in children and young people. These figures have brought the problem of addiction to the center of educational policies. However, the measures taken are evaluated by different social groups in different ways.
Opponents of the law argue that the regulation restricts students’ fundamental rights. The criticisms of freedom of communication and the right to privacy stand out. In addition, it is claimed that the right to search for happiness is ignored. Nevertheless, the government thinks it is more important to purify the educational environment from distracting elements. In other words, on the one hand, freedom, on the other hand, the disciplinary debate stands at the center of the agenda.
South Korea’s step is compared with international examples. France, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands and China have already implemented similar restrictions. On the other hand, in the United States, the decision is taken at the level of states. Currently, 14 states are seriously limiting the use of telephone during class hours. This table shows that the problem is discussed on a global scale.
The role of technology in education has long been the subject of discussion. On the one hand, digital vehicles contribute to learning. On the other hand, it is suggested that phones increase attention and lead to addiction. In addition, experts emphasize the importance of a balanced approach. Educational policies are also built on this contradiction.
This law not only forbidding, but also determines how to shape digital habits in education. The necessity of programs that teach students to establish a healthy connection with technology comes up more frequently. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether these programs will be implemented with the prohibitions. Educators, telephone bans alone will not be enough, he says. First of all, it is said that digital discipline should be given to students.
On the other hand, the process of implementation of the new law can also bring different difficulties. How students use their devices outside the school will affect the success of this process. In addition, it stands out as an important point whether parents will support this regulation. The goal of increasing success in education can be achieved with the active participation of families. Therefore, the law is not only a school issue, it becomes a social issue.
South Korea’s decision is re -discussing the direction of education in the digital age. Some experts think that the efficiency in classes will increase with this law. Nevertheless, there are also those who remind students that their rights should be protected. In spite of everything, this decision can lead to the agenda of similar practices in other countries. The approach to technology in education seems to be more tightly discussed.