South Korea is rolling out a nationwide ban on mobile phones in school classrooms starting March 2026, aiming to curb social media addiction among students.
Studies show 37% of middle and high schoolers feel affected by phone use, and 22% suffer anxiety without it.
While most schools already limit device use, this law formalizes that effort—though 예외 (exceptions) apply for students with 장애 (disabilities) or specific educational needs. Critics argue the ban may infringe on students’ rights.
Surveys show South Korea is among the world’s most digitally connected countries, with 99% of South Koreans online and 98% owning a smartphone.
Vocabulary:
-사회관계망서비스 (SNS) – social media (sahoe-gwangye-mang-
-중학생, 고등학생 – middle and high school students (jung-haksaeng, godeung-haksaeng)
-불안 – anxiety (bulan)
Related Links:
–Middle school second-year syndrome
