More Countries Ban Smartphones in Classrooms

This year, more schools around the world are saying no to smartphones in class. Countries like France, the Netherlands, and now several regions in South Korea have introduced strict rules. Students must turn off their phones or put them in lockers before lessons begin. Officials say the goal is simple: help students focus and protect their mental health.

Many teachers support the change. They say classrooms feel calmer, and students talk to each other more during breaks. One teacher in Seoul said her students seem less tired and more interested in lessons. Studies also show that constant phone notifications can hurt memory and make it harder to concentrate. Some schools have even reported better test scores since the ban started.

Still, not everyone is happy. Some parents worry they cannot reach their children in an emergency. Teenagers say the rule feels unfair, since phones are also useful for learning. A few schools have tried a middle path, allowing phones only during lunch or for schoolwork. Experts say more research is needed, but for now, the trend toward phone-free classrooms is spreading fast.