Smartphones are everywhere these days, including in classrooms, but there are many who feel that is not a good place for them. Officials all over the world have been calling for bans on smartphones in schools to varying degrees, but a new restriction in South Korea may be one of the strongest enacted to date.
The country’s National Assembly just passed a law making it illegal throughout the country to use cellphones at schools during school hours. The law applies to all elementary and middle schools and takes effect in the spring of next year. It gives principals and teachers the power to prevent students from using their phones during class, though it does not stipulate punishments for those found to be in violation.
There are exceptions, such as during emergencies or for educational or other purposes specified in the law. And the law only applies during class hours. Opponents to the law, however, are concerned that making phone use illegal goes a step too far. “Although they can already restrict the use under the existing regulations, they want to write it down in law, directly infringing upon students’ basic constitutional rights, such as freedom of communication and rights to keep privacy and seek happiness,” said a statement last week.
