Paju City Launches Phone‑Free School Initiative

On June 30, Paju City mayor Son Bae‑chan attended a ceremony to declare a “phone‑free school” program. The initiative aims to curb unnecessary smartphone use during school hours and replace that time with reading, arts and sports activities, known as RAS education.

More than 300 participants, including Gyeonggi Education Superintendent An Min‑seok, Paju Education Support Office director Jeon Seon‑a, local lawmakers and school staff, pledged to foster a healthier school culture that encourages face‑to‑face communication and independent thinking. Mayor Son said, “The experience of directly interacting with friends during school years is an invaluable asset that cannot be replaced.” The city will cooperate with the education office to expand policies that support safe and healthy learning environments.