As a Christian mum this is why I am not giving my child a phone

Writer Becky Hunter Kelm explores new smartphone bans abroad while sharing why she’s committed to raising her sons without phones.

South Korea is the latest country to take action on the evidence of the harmful effects of smartphone addiction on young people. The bill to ban the use of mobile phones and smart devices in schools (during lesson hours) will pass next March 2026, and it will give teachers the authority to prohibit young people from using smartphones whilst on school property.

Critics point out that a ban might not address the root cause of addiction, but to me no smartphones during lessons is a no-brainer- phones in the classroom will only result in distracted students and a dip in academic performance.