Passed on August 27, 2025, with 115 of 163 votes, the bipartisan bill prohibits mobile phones and smart devices during class hours in all schools. Teachers can restrict phone use on school premises, with exceptions for students with disabilities, educational purposes, and emergencies. Schools must also teach responsible device use, per BBC News. Why It Happened Addiction Concerns: A 2024 survey found 43% of South Korean teens overly dependent on smartphones, nearly double the national average, with 37% saying social media impacts daily life and 22% feeling anxious without access, per Reuters. Academic Impact: Teachers report 70% of classroom disruptions stem from phones, with some students reacting aggressively when restricted, per Korean Federation of Teachers’ Association. Global Trend: Following bans...