Israel will ban mobile phone use by children on elementary school grounds starting on Feb. 2, Education Minister Yoav Kish announced on Thursday.
The policy expands a 2019 ban that prohibited phones during classes. Under the new rules, students cannot use devices during breaks or before lessons. Phones will be allowed only in designated classes with staff approval for educational purposes.
The Education Ministry said the ban aims to help pupils develop social and emotional skills, improve school climate and enable better focus on learning. Officials cited studies on mobile phone impacts and global trends, including Australia’s recent ban on social media for users under 16.
The ministry will implement educational programs and work with parents to promote balanced phone use and reduce exposure to inappropriate content.
