South Korea’s ruling party has proposed legislation to restrict smartphone use in schools. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – In a significant move to address digital addiction concerns among youth, South Korea’s ruling party has proposed legislation to restrict smartphone use in schools, garnering support from the government and education officials.
The initiative gained momentum after the National Human Rights Commission of Korea recently ruled that the collective confiscation of students’ mobile phones does not constitute a human rights violation.
Representative Cho Jung-hun of the ruling People Power Party introduced an amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act on August 13, which would prohibit the use of smart devices within school premises.
“Smartphone addiction among students has become a social issue,” Cho stated, explaining that the restriction aims to protect students’ mental health, with exceptions granted only under specific circumstances approved by school administrators and teachers.
The proposed amendment includes a new Article 20-3 titled “Guidance on Student Mobile Phone Use,” which explicitly prohibits smart device use on school grounds except for educational purposes or emergency situations approved by school authorities.
The Ministry of Education has expressed strong support for the legislation, citing concerns about social media’s negative impact on students’ intellectual, cognitive, and mental development. The Ministry also pointed to students’ vulnerability to harmful content and cyberbullying as key factors behind their endorsement.
Education officials particularly emphasized the timing of this initiative as South Korea prepares to implement AI-powered digital textbooks nationwide next year.
A senior official noted, “While AI digital textbooks require digital devices with active student participation, passive consumption of short-form videos has various side effects that should be restricted, at least within schools.”
The Ministry suggested that exceptions should be made for students with disabilities or those requiring special education. Vice Minister Oh Seok Hwan proposed during a September 25 legislative subcommittee meeting that specific implementation details should be determined by individual school regulations.
The initiative has received strong support from both teachers and parents. The Alliance of Teachers and Parents Organizations stated in a September joint declaration that “children are losing their way in the flood of smartphones and social media,” describing the proposed legislation as “not merely a regulation but a solution to protect children’s lives and restore their genuine childhood.”
However, some opposition voices argue against using legislation to restrict smartphone use. Representative Ko Min-jung of the Democratic Party cautioned that “this fails to recognize students as independent agents” and suggested that schools should develop their own rules through student council activities.
A Ministry of Education official clarified that while the law would establish basic principles, specific restrictions and disciplinary measures would be determined at the school level through subsequent regulations.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
