Education Minister Yoav Kisch today announced a new policy in the education system, according to which, starting February 2 (Tu B'Shevat), the use of mobile phones will be banned in all elementary schools.
The new policy proposes that the use of the devices will be limited only to designated classes where the educational staff approves the use for learning purposes.
The goal of the move is to allow students to develop social and emotional skills, improve the educational climate and increase focus on learning, while reducing external distractions.
He explained: "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 noted that the policy is based on numerous studies from Israel and around the world, which indicate negative effects of using phones on student well-being and the school climate.
The new policy was formulated following extensive work by the Ministry of Education, which examined the impact of mobile phone use on the labor market, the learning environment, and the social and emotional skills required in a changing reality. The move is part of a broad systemic policy aimed at reducing distractions, strengthening social connections, and creating an environment that will improve learning conditions.