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South Korea's School Phone Ban: What Schools Need to Know in 2026
Yes, during lessons. Since 1 March 2026, a revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act bans students in elementary, middle and high schools from using smartphones and smart devices in class, with exceptions for education, emergencies and disability needs.
The revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act took effect on 1 March 2026, the start of the school year. It bans the use of smartphones and other smart devices during class in elementary, middle and high schools. Use is allowed for educational purposes or emergencies with a teacher's approval, and for students with disabilities who need assistive devices. Schools also gained legal authority to restrict possession of devices.
The National Assembly passed the bill on 27 August 2025, with 115 votes in favour out of 163 members present. Government surveys had found heavy phone dependence among teenagers, and around 70% of surveyed teachers reported classroom disruption. In 2026 the Education Ministry began 200 volunteer phone-free schools from September, with plans for 400 by 2027.
The law does not say how schools should collect or store devices, or whether students may use phones at break, which has led to complaints about uneven practice. Provinces are going further: Gyeonggi plans 300 phone-free schools by the end of 2026 that also restrict use at breaks, and Gangwon, Daegu and North Jeolla are running pilots. Teachers' groups generally favour keeping devices physically separate all day.
Whatever the rule in South Korea requires, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so middle and high schools do not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to South Korea, and can print the school's name or crest on them. Schools buy them outright: one price, no subscription, lease or per-student annual licence. Send us your student numbers and any written quote you already have, and we will beat it.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ban cover breaks and lunch?
The national law covers class time only. Schools have authority to restrict use and possession more widely, and some provinces are piloting phone-free schools that cover breaks.
Are there exemptions for students with disabilities?
Yes. Students with disabilities or special educational needs may use assistive devices, and teachers can approve use for learning or emergencies.
Does the law say how phones must be stored?
No. The law leaves collection and storage to schools, so methods such as collection boxes, lockers or pouches are set locally.
Related reading
School phone bans by country · Phone-free schools toolkit · How to roll out phone pouches in a school
Written by the team at Before The Internet, a Toronto-based phone-free company that rents lockable phone pouches for events across North America and sells them to schools and venues worldwide, shipping purchases to any country.
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