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Poster for the public forum on restricting smartphone and smart device use in schools / Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education

Education authorities are gathering input from students, teachers, and parents on the use of smartphones and other smart devices in schools.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced on the 11th that it will hold a public forum on the 13th, titled "Forum on Restricting the Use of Smartphones and Other Smart Devices," bringing together students, teachers, parents, and experts.

At the forum, students, teachers, parents, and outside experts will engage in in-depth discussion covering options ranging from full collection of smart devices at school to other usage restrictions, self-regulation approaches based on consensus within the school community, and the use of alternative devices.

Based on the views raised at the forum, participants will also discuss the democratic procedures needed to establish or revise student conduct rules. They plan to explore ways to reflect the views of students, teachers, and parents in a balanced manner, grounded in legal authority.

The event, themed "Beyond Regulation, Toward Democratic Growth," will begin with a keynote presentation, followed by a panel discussion and open floor discussion. In the panel discussion, representatives from each group within the education community will present their views for and against smart device restrictions, along with alternative approaches. Attendees will then share their opinions through Q&A and open remarks.

Seoul Superintendent of Education Jeong Geun-sik said, "This forum will be a meaningful opportunity for the education community to speak directly, experience democratic process, and seek a balanced solution everyone can agree on," adding, "We will continue to actively support efforts to firmly establish democratic consultation as part of school culture in the process of creating and revising student conduct rules, including restrictions on smartphone use."

                                                                                                             Kim Bo-young