South Korea to ban mobile phones in school classrooms
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Dramatic Taser Deployment Ends Standoff with Armed Theft Suspect

DISCLAIMER: All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court…

Urgent Search: Police Seek Public’s Help in Locating Missing Person Melodee Buzzard

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has issued a critical update regarding…

Five Vehicles Involved in Rollover Collision, Crashing Into Holly Hill Residence

HOLLY HILL, Fla. – Authorities in Holly Hill are currently examining a…

Forensic Experts Investigate Human Skull Discovered at JC Golf Course; DNA Analysis Next Step

In Johnson City, Tennessee, police are delving into the discovery of a…

Impending Government Shutdown Threatens Closure of Vital Head Start Preschool Programs Nationwide

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the government shutdown looms, Head Start programs serving…

During Government Shutdown, South Carolina Airport Organizes Food Drive to Aid Unpaid Employees

GREER, S.C. (WSPA) – In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown,…

Arizona Takes Legal Action Against US House: Grijalva’s Swearing-In Delayed

On Tuesday, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, initiated legal action…

Tragic Loss in the Chess World: Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Passes Away at 29

Daniel Naroditsky, a distinguished chess grandmaster who captivated many with his skill…

Trump Urges Resolution to Government Shutdown at Rose Garden Luncheon: A Call to Action

As the government shutdown stretches into its third week, President Donald Trump…

New Development Near Forsyth Park to Feature Offices and Underground Parking

In Savannah, Georgia, there’s a buzz around a newly cleared plot near…

Study Reveals Tennessee’s High Exposure to Tariff Impacts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — According to a recent analysis by the Pew…

Transforming History: New Senior Housing Development Planned for St. Pete’s Iconic Gas Plant District

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — In a bid to explore new development…