South Korea’s Classroom Phone Ban: What Singaporean Parents Should Know

South Korea’s classroom phone ban takes effect in March 2026, aiming to curb distractions and improve student focus. Learn what Singaporean parents can take away from this bold move.

From March 2026, South Korea will formally ban mobile phones and other personal electronic devices in all school classrooms. This landmark law, recently passed by the National Assembly, reflects growing concerns over how excessive screen time and social media are affecting young people’s wellbeing and learning.

Why the Ban?

South Korea is one of the most digitally connected nations in the world. According to Pew Research Center, about 99% of its population is online and 98% own a smartphone.

A survey by South Korea’s Education Ministry showed that more than one-third of middle- and high-school students feel social media affects their daily lives; around 22% report anxiety if they can’t access their accounts. Lawmakers argue that these habits are harming sleep, attention spans, and academic performance.

What the New Law Requires

Key points of the legislation include:

Phones and similar devices will be banned during class hours nationwide, from elementary to high school.
Exceptions are permitted for students with disabilities, for designated educational purposes, or in emergencies.
The law provides legal backing to what many schools were already doing informally restricting device use in classrooms, but shifts it to a uniform national standard.
Teachers and school administrators will have clearer authority to enforce the rules.

Comparing Singapore’s Approach

Singapore does not have a law banning mobile phones across all schools. Instead, the Ministry of Education (MOE) issues guidelines, while individual schools set their own rules.

Many schools already enforce policies to reduce mobile phone use in class. Phones might be stored away during lessons or for the entire school day. The focus has been on discipline, promoting interaction, and limiting distractions rather than legal enforcement.

What This Means for Singaporean Parents

Awareness: This law gives a vivid example of how serious some countries are about managing screen time. It might spark discussions on whether Singapore’s flexible approach is enough.
Collaboration with Schools: Even without a national law, parents can support strong school policies, encourage consistency, and help children build disciplined habits at home.
Balanced Use at Home: Emphasising healthy digital habits like limiting phone use before bedtime, designating phone-free zones, and monitoring social media use can reinforce what schools do.
Dialogue on Rights vs Responsibility: The Korean law has critics who say it infringes on children’s rights. It’s worthwhile for parents to think about how rules can balance protection with autonomy.

Final Thoughts

South Korea’s move shows a firm commitment to tackling the challenges posed by mobile devices in educational settings. While Singapore’s system is more flexible, there’s much to learn from Korea’s clarity, legal backing, and national consistency.

As parents, staying engaged in how schools manage phone use, and helping children develop self-control and healthy digital habits will be key to supporting both learning and wellbeing in this digital age.

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Written by

Jeremy Joyce Almario