South Korea Considers Banning Smartphones in Schools
The South Korean government is considering a bill to restrict smartphone use in schools. Under the proposed amendment, students would be permitted to use smartphones only for educational purposes or in emergencies, with the approval of teachers and school authorities.
The initiative addresses growing concerns over smartphone dependency among young people, which has been linked to mental health issues. Research from Hanyang University found that teenagers using smartphones for over four hours daily showed increased risks of depression, anxiety, and physical health problems.
The National Human Rights Commission, which previously deemed smartphone collection as a violation of student rights, recently reversed its stance. It now supports restrictions, emphasizing the negative impact of unrestricted smartphone use on teaching quality and classroom dynamics. The Education Ministry, alongside many parents, advocates for these restrictions to combat digital overdependence.
As South Korea considers this regulation, other countries like France, the United States, and the United Kingdom are already implementing similar policies. Critics, however, argue that such rules should be developed within schools, allowing students to establish guidelines through self-governance rather than enforced legislation.
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