Seeking ways to curb “smartphone overdependence” and build AI capabilities

[Financial News] The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has created a forum for public discussion to address students’ overdependence on smartphones and build their ability to use AI appropriately amid the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital transformation. The office said on the 29th that it will hold the 2026 Seoul Future Education Forum on the 30th in its conference room, under the theme “In the AI Era, Asking the Way Forward for Classrooms.” The forum was planned to explore effective solutions that will help students grow into independent and responsible digital citizens as digital devices rapidly become more common in classrooms.
Seoul Superintendent of Education Geun-sik Chung said, “AI and digital devices are powerful tools for future education, but it is the education office’s responsibility to help students grow into independent digital citizens in how they use them.” He emphasized, “Through this forum, we will bring together the wisdom of the education community and build a safe and responsible AI education ecosystem that schools can embrace.”
The forum will address from multiple angles ways to foster AI literacy—the ability to use AI appropriately in the classroom—and prevent the misuse of digital devices. It will begin with a keynote address by Professor Kim Su-hwan of Chongshin University on AI education trends in Korea and abroad. Teachers will then present practical examples of AI use in elementary and middle school classrooms and discuss approaches to establishing rules. National Assembly member Kim Yung-ho is scheduled to present realistic solutions to protect students’ rights to physical and mental health.
In the ensuing panel discussion, Professor Kim Su-hwan will serve as moderator, joined by National Assembly member Kim Yung-ho, teachers and parents for a question-and-answer session and discussion on the ground about building a safe AI education environment.

[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter