“Will Nigeria Learn From This?” Expert Reacts as South Korea Bans Phones From Classrooms
- The South Korea classroom 2026 phone ban has been described by education policy analyst Folaranmi Ajayi as a policy worth studying by Nigeria
- Concerns over classroom distractions were also noted, drawing attention to social media’s growing impact on students
- In his opinion, shared with Legitng, lessons for Nigeria were explained, as he stressed balance, discipline, and focused learning environments
South Korea has passed a law that will bar the use of mobile phones and other digital devices in schools from March 2026.
Source: Getty Images
The measure, aimed at cutting down distractions and helping students focus better, has already stirred debate around how technology should be managed in classrooms worldwide.
Educator and policy analyst Folaranmi Ajayi, however, described the policy as a necessary step that Nigeria should study closely.
Reacting to the ban, in his opinion shared with Legit.ng, he said:
“For a nation famed for its high-speed internet and love of technology, this might sound surprising. Yet the decision speaks volumes about the growing unease over what constant phone use is doing to young people.”
“I am of the opinion that digital detoxification should be taught and added to the curriculum, as social media distraction is on the increase, let alone the use of phones in the classroom,” Ajayi said.
Drawing from local experience, he explained how devices have become a major challenge during lessons:
“During the last UTME preparation, one challenge teachers often face during this period while in the classroom is students texting, chatting, replying to messages, or endlessly scrolling through TikTok while lessons are going on.”
He recalled how some teachers had raised concerns over the trend:
“Mr Olatutors once lamented how students are currently sharing videos during classes and the need for students not to be allowed to use phones in the classroom.”
His own center already enforces strict rules.
“We don't allow any phones during lectures, and this is one thing we tell parents when they come to register their wards for UTME, WAEC, or any examination at our center,” Ajayi quoted Mr Olatutors as saying.
Classrooms need focus, not phones - Ajayi warns
Legit.ng reports that South Korea’s law allows exceptions when devices are needed for learning or to support children with special needs. Authorities there say the goal is to reduce distraction, improve classroom engagement, and protect students’ well-being.
Source: Getty Images
In South Korea, teachers have long complained that phones are a constant source of disruption. Lessons are routinely interrupted by social media alerts, online games, or the simple temptation to scroll. Parents and policymakers worry that addiction to screens is leaving students distracted, anxious, and even less able to concentrate on their studies," he noted.
The educator further argued that the same lessons apply in Nigeria, where teachers have long complained of dwindling focus among students. According to him, a carefully designed policy could help restore discipline, reduce distractions, and encourage genuine social interaction in Nigerian schools.
“South Korea is showing that balance is possible. This is not about demonising technology, but about creating an environment where learning comes first,” Ajayi said.
He stressed that the bigger picture goes beyond access to digital tools.
“Classrooms are not just about learning facts; they are about creating the right environment for concentration, discipline, and social growth,” he explained.
According to him, smartphones may be “valuable tools” but are also “powerful distractions”:
“The argument that pupils will never learn to control themselves unless given free rein sounds appealing in theory, but in practice, the constant lure of a phone is something even many adults struggle to resist. Why should we expect children to fare better?” he asked.
Concluding his reaction, Ajayi posed a challenge to Nigeria’s policymakers:
“Will Nigeria learn from this?”
Anambra Governor bans phones in schools
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Anambra Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo banned secondary school students across Anambra’s 21 LGAs from using mobile phones to enhance focus and discipline.
Principals and teachers were authorised to seize phones, as explained by Professor Nkechi Ikediugwu, chairman of the State Post Primary Schools Service Commission, to curb distractions and ensure students concentrate fully on their academic work during school hours.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
