South Korea is considering the development of a government-backed smartphone tailored specifically for teenagers, as concerns rise over digital addiction among young users. Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin announced plans to establish a dedicated unit within the Ministry of Education to explore the initiative, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various stakeholders.

During a session at the National Assembly on September 14, Choi responded to calls from Kim Young-ho, a representative from the Democratic Party of Korea, who advocated for a smartphone designed to meet students’ needs while curbing addictive features. Kim highlighted growing parental worries about early smartphone use, pointing to survey data indicating that around 60 percent of second graders and 95.7 percent of sixth graders already have access to smartphones. Additionally, a survey of 52,000 parents showed overwhelming support for government intervention, with 98.1 percent of respondents favoring action and 99.2 percent backing the introduction of a controlled device aimed at children.

Choi stressed that developing such a smartphone would require extensive public discussion and cooperation between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science, smartphone manufacturers, regional education offices, and the broader education community. He confirmed his commitment to designating a specialized department within the education ministry to focus on addressing digital addiction among students.

The proposed smartphone would aim to offer useful features for students while restricting access to applications and functionalities that contribute to excessive or harmful usage. Kim remarked on the importance of building social consensus among students, parents, and educators to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device. He suggested that if realized, South Korea could become the first country to create a smartphone specifically designed for teenagers through collaboration within its education sector.

While smartphones with parental controls and restricted functions already exist in markets such as the United States, South Korea’s approach is notable for potentially involving the central government and education authorities directly in the development process. The initiative reflects growing concern over the impact of early and unrestricted smartphone use on children’s well-being and academic performance.

The proposal is still in its exploratory phase, and further discussions among relevant ministries, industry partners, and educational institutions will shape its future direction.