Guro District Introduces 'Smartphone Use Restriction Service' on Elementary School Routes

Bluetooth-Based Pedestrian Safety System Introduced
"Automatic Smartphone Blocking While Walking"

On July 14, the Guro District Office in Seoul announced that starting in August, it will establish 'No Smombie Zones' around the school routes of three elementary schools in the district (Sinmirim Elementary School, Onsu Elementary School, and Cheonwang Elementary School) to strengthen pedestrian safety for children.

'Smombie' is a portmanteau of 'smartphone' and 'zombie,' referring to people who walk while being so absorbed in their smartphones that they are unaware of their surroundings. As the use of smart devices among elementary school students has become commonplace, concerns have been raised about the increased risk of accidents on school routes.

A smartphone screen showing automatic restriction of smartphone use in the 'No Smombie Zone.' Provided by Guro District.

The district has installed Bluetooth devices along a 600-meter section of major elementary school routes to restrict smartphone use while walking, designating these areas as 'No Smombie Zones.' When students install a dedicated app on their smartphones, the app connects with the Bluetooth signal, and screen use is automatically restricted while walking within the designated zone.

Guardians can individually set device usage restrictions for their children through a separate app, and can also check their child's real-time location. The student app is available on Android devices, while the guardian app is available on both Android and iPhone devices.

This project was implemented through the participatory budgeting system, and the district selected the three elementary schools as target sites after conducting a demand survey and on-site inspections. Guro District expects that this measure, which utilizes advanced technology, will provide practical help in preventing traffic accidents involving children. Detailed usage information will be provided through school newsletters, and inquiries can be made to the Guro District Office Smart City Division at 02-860-2166.

Jang Inhong, Mayor of Guro District, said, "We hope this service will help prevent pedestrian accidents involving children," and added, "We will continue to do our best to create safe routes to and from school."