Chosun Ilbo reported the group of students owning their own phone scored lower on reading than those who did not, but scores were similar even when phones were physically removed at school.

This suggests that everyday usage patterns and reading and focus habits may matter more to reading ability than mere physical possession of a phone.

Concern has been raised that habituation to short videos and instant stimulation can weaken the ability to read and understand long text, though the causality is not simple.

Experts advise that rather than blanket bans on devices, securing reading time and forming balanced usage habits matter.

Sinophone Bridge Times does not translate survey results into fear; a child's literacy depends on habits built together more than on the device itself.