The First Step
Israel Bans Cellphones in All Primary Schools to Combat Loneliness and Boost Grades
Starting in February, all Israeli elementary schools will ban mobile phone use, a drastic, research-backed measure aimed at reducing social media addiction and fostering essential human connection among students.
New Policy Enforced in February
Education Minister Yoav Kish announced a major shift in educational policy this week, declaring that beginning in February, coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Tu B'Shevat, the use of mobile phones will be prohibited for students across all primary schools in Israel.
The dramatic move comes after extensive staff work led by Ministry of Education Director-General Meir Shimon, which involved examining numerous international studies and global trends regarding the impact of mobile phone use on student well-being, the school climate, the learning environment, and the crucial social and emotional skills required in a changing reality.
Minister Kish stated that the ban is a core component of a broader, systemic policy aimed at minimizing distractions, strengthening social connections, and guaranteeing optimal conditions for learning.
Restoring Human Connection
The primary goal of the new policy is to enable students to develop and refine social and emotional skills, improve the educational climate, and allow for greater focus on learning. Cellphone use will only be permitted during specifically designated lessons where the educational staff approves controlled use for learning purposes.
Minister Kish emphasized the human element behind the decision, stating, "We are allowing children to truly meet each other again, reduce external distractions and expand the human and natural connection between students, without screens." He added that the excessive use of mobile phones can generate feelings of loneliness and depression.
"The noise has returned to schools and everyone has stopped being on screen," the Minister said, referring to schools that have voluntarily implemented the ban. "Now there is no more choice, the phone will not be in use. This is the first step and I think it is a very significant and complex decision, but honestly, it is an easy decision and we are setting out on Tu B'Shevat." The Minister noted that for now, the ban will not apply to middle schools and high schools.
Battling Addiction and Supporting Mental Health
Ina Salzman, Senior Deputy Director-General and Head of the Pedagogical Administration at the Ministry of Education, cited the academic research underpinning the decision. She noted that increased mobile phone use by students correlates with a decline in academic achievement. She specifically referenced a study by Dr. Barzilai regarding the emotional and social repercussions for children with smartphones from age 12 and below.
Salzman highlighted the early onset of digital addiction, stating that 60% of youth are addicted to social media, and the earlier they start, the harder it is to break the addiction. "The average age for receiving a smartphone is from age 6, from first grade, many of them have cellphones," she pointed out.
The Ministry's implementation plan includes educational programs in classrooms and dialogue with parents to encourage balanced phone use, prevent misuse of social networks, and minimize exposure to age-inappropriate content. The focus will be on fostering face-to-face interactions.
Wide Support, But Questions Remain
The Ministry of Education Director-General, Meir Shimon, acknowledged the logistical challenge, stating, "We know that we will need a period of adjustment, this will not happen all at once, it will be a process. But the cellphones will be outside the schools." The policy has received wide support from the National Parents’ Leadership, the National Student and Youth Council, the Local Government, and the Teachers' Union.
The National Parents’ Leadership welcomed the decision as a necessary and courageous educational step, stating, "Our children need a safe, social, emotional and learning space without screens, this is a significant move that has been requested for years."
However, the National Student and Youth Council, while supporting the ban for elementary schools, urged the Ministry not to extend it to middle and high schools, arguing that phones are an integral part of personal development for older students in the modern, technological era. Details on the enforcement of the new mandatory policy will be provided in a forthcoming Director-General's Circular.