Ministry of Education to Pilot 'Phone-Free Schools' at 200 Locations in Second Semester

The Ministry of Education plans to pilot 'phone-free schools' at 200 primary and secondary institutions nationwide designated as violence prevention guidance schools starting the second semester. The initiative aims to expand to 400 schools next year. Smartphone use during class hours was legally mandated in March, and over 40% of teenagers are currently at risk of smartphone overdependence.

Participation in the pilot and specific operational methods will be determined through consultation among teachers, students, and parents. Busan's Namsan Elementary School completely banned smartphone use on campus two months ago following expert lectures, student debates, and a vote by the entire student body, where 9 out of 10 students approved the measure.

Critics have raised doubts regarding the effectiveness of the pilot, noting that implementation is left to individual school discretion and does not regulate usage outside of school grounds. Opinions in the field remain divided regarding the ban on campus smartphone use. Middle school student Jin Min-soo stated that prohibiting smartphones at school could reduce communication with friends. High school student Na Ye-bin noted that forced prohibition would not completely block smartphone use.