South Korea passes bill banning smartphone use in class
The South Korean National Assembly has passed a bill by a large majority that bans elementary, middle, and high school students from using smartphones (cell phones) during class. While smartphone use during class has been prohibited in the past, it was only a weak administrative notice, and was therefore not widely followed. This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and will come into effect from the first semester in March 2026.
'I want to know'
South Korea to ban mobile phones in school classrooms | Reuters
Which country has just made it illegal to use smartphones during school?
https://www.govtech.com/question-of-the-day/which-country-has-just-made-it-illegal-to-use-smartphones-during-school
According to the Chosun Ilbo, a major South Korean newspaper, smartphone addiction among teenagers in South Korea is at a serious level, causing declines in academic performance and mental health problems. As a countermeasure, the Ministry of Education issued a lifestyle guidance notice in September 2023, which included a 'ban on smartphone use during class.' However, the administrative notice was not very strong enough to enforce the ban, and many schools were unable to implement effective measures.
The current ban on smartphones is included in the proposed amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and although there are no provisions for punishment for breaking it, each school will provide warnings and guidance.
The amendment to the law will also enable school principals and teachers to restrict the use and possession of smartphones as necessary to protect students' right to learn outside of class and ensure educational activities.
One well-known attempt to protect minors from smartphone addiction is Australia's Online Safety Amendment Bill 2024, which bans the use of social media by anyone under the age of 16.
Australia enacts world's first law banning the use of social media by people under the age of 16, targeting X, TikTok, Instagram, etc. but excluding YouTube - GIGAZINE
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill in September 2024 restricting smartphone use in schools.
Newsom signs legislation to limit the use of smartphones during school hours | Governor of California
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/09/23/governor-newsom-signs-legislation-to-limit-the-use-of-smartphones-during-school-hours/
On August 1, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill that mandates a ban on smartphones and smartwatches during school hours.
Abbott Signs Child Online Safety Governor, Phone-Free Classroom Laws In Amarillo | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-signs-child-online-safety-phone-free-classroom-laws-in-amarillo
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