The Education Ministry is set to ban cell phones in middle schools at the start of next school year, Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced on Sunday.
Kisch said the ministry decided to take this step due to recent reports that American students' grades improved after school districts banned phones.
“We see too many cases of children who are together in class, but each one is alone in front of their screen. In recent months, extensive staff work has been carried out on the issue. This is not only a technological issue, but an educational and values-based question," he said.
"We examined studies from Israel and around the world. We held discussions with educators, principals, parents, and students, out of genuine attentiveness to the field and to the needs that arise from it.”
Over half of Israeli teens are addicted to social media, official claims
In February, Ina Salzman, Senior Deputy Director and Director of the Ministry’s Pedagogical Administration, noted that some 60% of Israeli teens are addicted to social media.
“The more cell phones are used by students, the lower the students’ achievements,” she said. “Our emphasis for administrators and education teams is to create social activities and social skills.
"We will also engage parents to reduce screen time at home. Sixty percent of teenagers are addicted to social networks, and the earlier they start, the harder it is to break the habit.” She noted that many children receive smartphones as early as first grade.
Parents call for changes in curriculum alongside phone ban in Israeli schools
The National Parents' Leadership Association said that while the move is a step forward, the ban must be accompanied by a shift in curriculum and educational methods.
“There is importance in reducing the use of mobile phones during the school day, especially among middle school students, out of a desire to strengthen attention, social interactions, and the school climate. However, when choosing to lead a move to ban use during school hours, it must be accompanied by a broad educational, explanatory, and practical program that will encourage smart and responsible use of digital tools beyond school hours as well," the association said in a statement.
“In conversations we held with the Education Ministry, we emphasized that the success of the move depends on meaningful explanation, resources, and budgets, alongside providing practical tools for balanced conduct in the digital world. Without these processes, the move will not lead to meaningful change over time.”
A similar ban rolled out in February in elementary schools. At the time, Kisch said that the move allowed "children to return and truly meet each other, reduce external distractions, and expand the human and natural connection between students, without screens.
“Creating a school space that enables social and emotional growth for our children is our commitment and responsibility.” He emphasized that the decision is part of a broader systemic effort “to reduce distractions, strengthen social ties, and ensure optimal conditions for learning.”
Pesach Benson/TPS contributed to this report.