South Korea Expands Smartphone Restrictions in Schools
Education authorities in South Korea are preparing to expand pilot schemes restricting students’ use of smartphones and other smart devices not only during lessons but also during break times. The measures are primarily aimed at tackling growing smartphone addiction among students, cyberbullying and the negative impact of digital devices on learning.
The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education plans to designate 300 schools as “phone-free schools” by the end of 2026. At participating schools, the use of smartphones for non-educational purposes will not be permitted. Instead, schools will increase reading, arts, cultural and sports activities to provide students with alternative ways to spend their free time.
The Gangwon Provincial Office of Education has also launched a “smartphone-free school” initiative this year at 10 primary, middle and high schools, as well as three kindergartens. The programme is expected to expand to 150 educational institutions by 2029. From 2027, authorities also plan to distribute 10,000 “clean phones” without internet access to students.
The new measures follow regulations that came into force in March 2026 banning students from using smartphones during lessons. Education authorities are now seeking to extend the existing restrictions across the entire school day in an effort to tackle excessive phone use, as well as problems including distraction, the erosion of teachers’ authority and violence in schools.