Korea Debates Banning Smartphones in Elementary Schools

In classrooms across South Korea, teachers are fighting a losing battle—not against misbehavior, but distraction. Ten-year-olds sneak glances at YouTube under desks. Homework apps compete with games. And some students arrive at school already glued to their screens.

Now, policymakers are stepping in. The Ministry of Education is reviewing a nationwide proposal to ban smartphones in elementary schools during class hours, citing rising concerns over attention disorders, cyberbullying, and emotional development.

The debate reignited after a viral video showed second-grade students using AI chatbots to cheat on math drills. “We’ve crossed a line,” said lawmaker Kang Mira, who introduced the motion in November. “Children deserve cognitive protection—especially during their formative years.”

Currently, phone policies vary by school and region. Some allow limited use for educational apps; others require phones to be turned off and stored. But enforcement is inconsistent, and many teachers feel unsupported.

Parents are divided. Proponents welcome the plan, pointing to studies linking early smartphone exposure with sleep disorders and lower literacy. “My daughter couldn’t focus for five minutes,” said one mother. “After we took away her phone, her mood and grades improved.”

Opponents argue that digital literacy is essential, not optional. “Banning phones won’t prepare kids for the real world,” says Kim Haejin, an ed-tech consultant. “What we need is guidance—not prohibition.”

Psychologists offer a middle path. “Introduce digital hygiene as early as reading,” suggests Dr. Choi Daeseong. “Teach children when, how, and why to use a device—before the habit forms unconsciously.”

The policy, if passed, would go into effect in March 2025. It includes exceptions for emergencies and accessibility. Pilot programs in Jeonju and Ulsan are already reporting improved classroom focus and peer interaction.

As South Korea navigates a hyper-digital future, it faces an urgent question: Can childhood still exist offline?

Date: 2024-12-09

Reporter: 박근홍