The ban, which will take effect from March next year, makes South Korea the latest country to restrict the use of smartphones and social media among minors.

South Korean lawmakers have banned smartphones and other smart devices in elementary and middle school classrooms, The New York Times reports. The law goes into effect in 2026. The legislation only outlaws these devices during class hours and there are no stipulations regarding punishment for violators.

South Korea has passed a bill to ban the use of mobile phones and other digital devices in school classrooms nationwide. The ban, which was passed on Wednesday but will take effect from March next year,