Legislation Prohibiting the Use of Smart Devices in Elementary, Middle, and High School Classes
Starting from the first semester of next year, students will legally be prohibited from using smartphones during class.
According to a report by Hankyoreh on the 8th, the National Assembly's Education Committee passed the 'Amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act', which fundamentally bans the use of smart devices by elementary, middle, and high school students during class, with an agreement from both ruling and opposition parties.
As a result, students will not be allowed to use smartphones and other smart devices during class starting as early as March 1 of next year.
The law that has been passed is a 'Chairman's alternative', which reconciles various legal bills, including a complete ban on the use of smart devices in schools and restrictions that target only elementary students.
With an agreement reached between the ruling and opposition parties, the likelihood of the bill passing the National Assembly's plenary session next month is high.
Granting Authority to School Principals and Teachers to Restrict Smart Device Use
According to the amendment, students with disabilities or special education needs, as well as students who require smart device use for educational purposes or in emergency situations, are exempt from the ban. The basic framework is a principle of prohibition with exceptional allowances.
It is noteworthy that the use of smart devices may be restricted even outside of class time.
The amendment provides school principals and teachers the authority to restrict students' use and possession of smart devices when necessary to protect students' right to learn and support teachers' educational activities. However, experts believe the actual impact in schools is likely to be minimal.
This is because a similar notice from the Ministry of Education ('Notification on Teachers' Student Life Guidance') has been in effect since September 2023. The significance of this legal amendment lies in the strengthening of the legal basis for restrictions on the use of smart devices and the increase in enforceability.
Ongoing Controversy Over Student Rights Violations
Concerns regarding violations of student rights, digital addiction risks, and infringements on the right to learn have been raised regarding the restriction of smart device use in schools.
The National Human Rights Commission has continuously stated since 2014 that the act of collecting students' mobile phones constitutes a violation of student rights, although it changed its previous position in October 2024. Student organizations are reacting negatively to this legislation.
A youth rights activist from 'Asunaro', a youth rights organization, criticized, "Concerning the use of mobile phones, school members can create various autonomous rules or policies through deliberation. It is regrettable that this legislation results in depriving students of their autonomy."
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