Overview
- The nationwide policy prohibits mobile phone use across all primary schools beginning on Tu B'Shevat, February 2, 2026.
- Limited use will be allowed only in designated classes where educational staff approve devices for instruction.
- Officials say the change aims to strengthen social and emotional skills, improve the school climate, and increase focus on learning by curbing distractions.
- The ministry says the decision follows extensive work examining phone use and its effects on the learning environment, social-emotional development, and the labor market.
- Leaders describe the move as part of a broader effort to reduce distractions and rebuild in-person connections among students, with Kisch emphasizing “children truly meeting each other again.”