Blog · Schools
Israel's School Phone Ban: What Schools Need to Know in 2026
Yes, for younger pupils. Israel banned phones for the whole school day in elementary schools from 2 February 2026 and extended the ban to middle schools from 1 September 2026. High schools are not yet covered.
The Education Ministry rule covers elementary schools (grades 1-6) and, from the 2026-27 school year, middle schools. Phones must stay off, in bags or in storage the school designates, from arrival until the end of the day, including at recess. Teachers may allow use in designated lessons for educational purposes. The elementary ban was set by a circular from Director General Meir Shimoni.
Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced the elementary ban on 11 December 2025, starting on Tu Bishvat, 2 February 2026. On 17 May 2026 the ministry confirmed the extension to middle schools from the start of the new school year, which began on 1 September 2026. Kisch has said he intends to extend the ban to high schools, but no date has been set.
Schools choose how to store phones, either in students' bags switched off or in storage units where students place devices at the start of lessons. The ministry paired the ban with programmes on digital literacy, balanced technology use and social and emotional skills. Parent organisations asked for curriculum changes to go with it. Kisch cited research linking heavy phone use to lower achievement.
Whatever the ministry circular requires, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so the school does not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to Israel, and can print the school's name or crest on them. Schools buy them outright: one price, no subscription, lease or per-student annual licence. Send us your student numbers and any written quote you already have, and we will beat it.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ban cover breaks?
Yes. Phones must stay off and put away from arrival until the end of the school day, including recess.
Are high schools included?
Not yet. The ban covers elementary schools since February 2026 and middle schools since September 2026. The minister has said he wants to extend it to high schools.
Can teachers use phones in lessons?
Yes. Use is allowed in designated lessons for educational purposes under a teacher's supervision.
Related reading
School phone bans by country · Phone-free schools toolkit · How to roll out phone pouches in a school
Written by the team at Before The Internet, a Toronto-based phone-free company that rents lockable phone pouches for events across North America and sells them to schools and venues worldwide, shipping purchases to any country.
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