South Korea has introduced a ban on the use of mobile phones and other digital devices in school classrooms. The legislation, passed in parliament on Wednesday, will take effect in March next year.
Government officials say the measure aims to curb smartphone and social media addiction among teenagers. A recent study in the Netherlands also found that similar restrictions helped students improve their concentration.
South Korea is one of the most digitally connected countries in the world, with 99 percent of its population online and 98 percent using smartphones. According to the Pew Research Center, this is the highest rate among 27 surveyed countries in 2022–23.
Cho Jung-hoon, an MP from the opposition People Power Party and sponsor of the bill, highlighted the severe impact of social media addiction on young people. “Many students remain online until late at night, which harms both their studies and health,” he said.
A survey conducted by the Ministry of Education found that nearly 37 percent of middle and high school students feel social media affects their daily lives, while 22 percent reported feeling anxious when unable to access these platforms.
Source: BBC.