SEOUL — On Wednesday, South Korea enacted legislation to prohibit the use of mobile phones and digital devices in school classrooms across the country. This step is taken amid rising worries about the effects of excessive social media use among young people.

The restriction, set to be enforced from March next year, positions South Korea among the countries moving to limit smartphone and social media usage for minors.

Recently, Australia expanded its groundbreaking ban on social media access for teenagers. Meanwhile, research conducted in July indicated that a ban on mobile phones in Dutch schools has led to improved student focus.

Statistics reveal that South Korea is one of the world’s most digitally connected nations. According to the U.S.-based Pew Research Center, 99% of South Koreans are online, and 98% possess a smartphone—the highest percentage among the 27 countries analyzed between 2022 and 2023.

The legislation imposing the ban garnered bipartisan support in Wednesday’s parliamentary vote.

“Social media addiction among our youth has reached an alarming stage,” stated Cho Jung-hun, an opposition People Power Party lawmaker and backer of the legislation.

“Our kids, their eyes are red every morning. They are on Instagram until 2 or 3 a.m.,” Cho told parliament.

A survey conducted last year by the Education Ministry found that about 37% of middle and high school students report social media impacts their daily activities, with 22% experiencing anxiety when unable to access their social media accounts.

Many schools in South Korea already have their own restrictions for smartphone use, which the bill now formalizes.

Digital devices will still be permitted for students with disabilities or for educational purposes.

Some youth advocacy groups have opposed the smartphone ban, saying it would violate children’s human rights.