Starting Tu B’Shevat: Israeli Elementary Schools to Ban Student Phone Use on Campus

Beginning on February 2 2026, Israeli elementary school students will no longer be allowed to use mobile phones anywhere on school grounds, the Education Ministry announced today. Education Minister Yoav Kisch said the measure aims to reshape school environments and reduce distractions during the day.

The new directive expands a 2019 policy that had already prohibited phone use during lessons. Under the updated guidelines, students will now be separated from their devices from the moment they enter the school gate and throughout breaks, with phones permitted only in designated lessons where teachers authorize supervised use for educational purposes. According to the ministry, the goal is “to allow a space in which students can develop and strengthen social and emotional skills, improve the educational climate, and enable focus on learning.”

Kisch said the move is intended to restore direct interaction among students and create a healthier atmosphere on campus. “We are allowing children to truly meet one another again, reduce external distractions, and expand the natural human connection between students, without screens,” he said. He added that the policy is based on extensive research in Israel and abroad and reflects a commitment to providing a safe educational climate.

The ministry said the guidelines were formulated after a broad staff review led by Director-General Meir Shmouini, which examined international studies on the effects of phone use on student well-being, learning environments and social-emotional development. Officials described the decision as part of a wider national effort to reduce distractions in schools and strengthen interpersonal skills.

Implementation will include classroom programs and discussions with parents to encourage balanced phone habits, prevent misuse of social media and reduce exposure to age-inappropriate content. “The implementation will include educational programs in classrooms and dialogue with parents to instill balanced phone use, prevent misuse of social networks, and reduce exposure to age-inappropriate content,” the ministry said. Schools will receive support from local authorities, principals, parent leadership and the national students’ council to adapt the policy to each school’s needs.

Similar trends are emerging worldwide. This week, Australia enacted a sweeping ban on social media use for anyone under 16, aiming to protect minors from potential online harms.

The ministry said the Israeli policy has gained backing from the National Parents’ Leadership, the Students’ Council, local authorities and the Teachers’ Union, all of which will take part in the nationwide rollout.