A Nationwide Shift in School Policy

The Israeli government has announced that from early February next year, primary school students will no longer be allowed to use mobile phones anywhere on school grounds. This new rule applies to all public primary schools and builds on earlier guidelines that allowed individual principals to set their own phone rules.

Under the policy, phones will only be permitted during specially designated lessons where teachers approve their use for educational purposes. The rest of the school day, including breaks, will be phone-free.

Focus on Learning and Attention

One of the main reasons behind the ban is to create an environment where students can focus more fully on their lessons without the constant pull of notifications, games, or social media. Education Minister Yoav Kisch said the policy is part of a broader effort to reduce distractions and ensure better conditions for learning and emotional development.

Studies from Israel and abroad have shown that frequent phone use among children can be linked to reduced attention spans and less engagement in school activities. By limiting access during the school day, educators hope to help students stay present and attentive.

Encouraging Social Interaction

Another key goal of the ban is to encourage face-to-face interaction between students. Officials say that when children are not glued to screens, they are more likely to communicate with each other, build friendships, and develop important social and emotional skills. This reflects a growing worldwide trend of reevaluating technology’s role in education.

Parental Engagement and Balanced Use

The Ministry of Education plans to support the change with educational programs and dialogue with parents. These efforts aim to promote balanced phone use outside of school hours and to help families understand the new expectations.

Israel’s decision comes at a time when many countries, including France and Australia, are also tightening rules on smartphone use in schools. UNESCO reports that nearly forty percent of education systems have some form of phone restriction in schools.

A Step Toward Healthier School Environments

In essence, the ban is designed not to punish children but to foster healthier learning spaces. By reducing dependency on screens during the school day, Israel is betting that its youngest students will benefit academically and socially.