Starting from the new school semester next year, the use of smartphones and other smart devices by elementary, middle, and high school students during class will be prohibited. The Ministry of Education announced on the 27th that the 'Elementary and Secondary Education Act amendment' containing these details was passed in a National Assembly plenary session.
This amendment, which will be implemented starting March 1, will primarily restrict students from using smartphones and other smart devices during class. However, exceptions are allowed for students who use them as assistive devices due to disabilities or special education needs, for educational purposes, or in response to emergency situations.
The types of smart devices restricted for use and possession, as well as specific standards and methods of restriction, will be determined by school rules. The head of the school also needs to ensure that education on proper use of smart devices, in accordance with the Education Basic Act, is incorporated into the school curriculum.
This amendment was promoted to provide a legal basis for limiting the use and possession of smart devices on school grounds to protect students' right to learn and the educational activities of teachers. A Ministry of Education official noted, "This raises the smartphone use restrictions outlined in the student guidance legislation to the level of law."
Rep. Jo Jung-hoon of the People Power Party, who proposed the amendment, explained that after the bill's passage, "This law is a promise to protect the most precious things, such as conversations with friends, small jokes and laughter, and children's concentration and rest in the classroom," adding, "It is not about taking away smartphones, but about returning children's time and lives." He also stated, "Each school should meticulously revise its rules, establish storage and communication systems, and carefully design exceptions and protection guidelines for students with disabilities or special education needs."
In the school environment, student use of smart devices during class is already limited, so this amendment's passage is being understood as having a declarative significance. There is a perspective that this law will not bring significant changes to the school environment.
However, some students are opposed to this for reasons of human rights infringement. A coalition of youth human rights advocacy groups, called 'National Action for Student Human Rights Law and Youth Rights,' recently held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "This seriously threatens students' freedoms and rights and, if established by law, will encourage excessive human rights violations in schools."