Asia Tech Wire (Nov 4) -- South Korea is considering legislation to ban the use of smartphones and other electronic devices in primary and secondary schools, South Korean media reported Sunday, citing concerns that excessive use of cell phones by students could create dependence and jeopardize mental health.

Sources in the National Assembly and the education sector said lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) submitted a bill to the National Assembly in August.

The proposal reads, "Students should not use smart devices on campus except with the permission of school authorities and teachers, for educational purposes or in response to emergencies."

As per the Korean media, with the popularity of games and short videos among young Koreans, teenagers' dependence on smartphones has increased, predisposing them to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.