No more screens
Kisch: No More Phones in Elementary Schools
Education Minister declares ban on phones in elementary schools starting February 2. New rule follows global trend to limit screen use at young ages.
Israel will prohibit smartphone use in elementary schools beginning February 2, Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced Thursday, unveiling a nationwide policy aimed at improving school climate and strengthening students’ social development.
The restriction, set to take effect on Tu BiShvat, bars all mobile phone use during the school day except for controlled, teacher-guided use inside classrooms for pedagogical purposes.
Ministry officials said the initiative is designed to reduce distractions, encourage face-to-face interaction, and support students’ emotional development. The move has broad backing across the education system, including the National Parents’ Leadership, the National Student Council, local governments, the Teachers’ Union and other stakeholders.
Implementation will include classroom programs and discussions with parents to promote balanced digital habits, limit harmful social-media use, and reduce exposure to age-inappropriate content.
“We are allowing children to meet each other again, truly, without screens and without external distractions,” Kisch said, noting that the policy is based on extensive Israeli and international research.
The decision also places Israel within a growing global movement to limit screen exposure for young children. Australia recently introduced nationwide restrictions on phones in public schools, France has maintained a ban on mobile phones in primary and middle schools since 2018, and several US states and European countries are considering similar measures amid rising concern over technology’s impact on learning and mental health.
The Education Ministry said schools will use the coming weeks to prepare enforcement procedures and integrate new curriculum materials related to digital literacy and responsible use.