South Korea introduced AI digital textbooks while simultaneously banning smartphones in schools. This paradox of teaching through digital tools while restricting digital devices is playing out across the world β what is really happening in global education policy?
In March 2026, South Korea enacted a nationwide ban on smartphone use during class. France, the Netherlands, and at least 32 US states are moving in the same direction. Does taking phones away actually improve education?
South Korea was first in the world to roll out AI-powered digital textbooks in public schools. But the $850M program was effectively scrapped after just one semester. What went wrong β and why did a smartphone ban follow?
In March 2026, a UNESCO report confirmed that 114 education systems around the world β 58% of all countries β now ban smartphones in schools. From 24% in 2023 to 58% in 2026: what is driving this rapid shift?