South Korean Parents Overwhelmingly Back Restrictions on Minors' Smartphone Use

A survey conducted by lawmaker Kim Young‑ho of the Democratic Party of Korea asked about 52,000 parents of elementary, middle and high‑school students in Seoul, Incheon and South Gyeongsang Province whether limits on minors' smartphone use were needed. A total of 98.1% answered that restrictions were necessary.

The same respondents highlighted several concerns: 97.5% said smartphones increase exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, 96% said they interfere with studying, 93.9% found it difficult for children to control screen time, and 90.4% said they cause family conflict.

When asked if they would consider a dedicated device that retains essential call and safety functions but blocks short‑form video, social media, gaming and anonymous chat, 92.2% said yes. The proposed “Edu safe phone” would limit addictive and risky features while preserving communication and safety tools.

Kim Young‑ho plans to hold public hearings with the 17 city and provincial education offices, teachers, students and parents to discuss the device’s feasibility and operating standards. The survey comes amid a broader push in several countries, including recent bans on under‑16 social‑media accounts in Australia and forthcoming restrictions in the United Kingdom.