South Korea Bans Mobile Phones in Schools from March 2026

South Korea has announced a nationwide ban on the use of mobile phones by students in schools starting March next year.

According to international reports, the move comes in response to rising concerns over social media use and its negative impact on young people. The new law will completely prohibit smartphones and other digital devices in classrooms.

In parliament, 115 out of 163 members voted in favour of the bill. Following this decision, the ban will now be enforced across all schools in the country.

Many schools in South Korea had already imposed restrictions on smartphone use, but this new law will make the ban mandatory nationwide.

Lawmakers, parents, and teachers argue that students’ academic performance suffers due to excessive phone use, as it distracts them from studies.

A survey shows South Korea ranks among the world’s top countries in digital device usage. Nearly 99% of the population is online, while 98% own a smartphone.

It is worth noting that countries like China, Italy, and the Netherlands have also imposed school-wide bans on mobile phone use by students.