Israel expands AI studies and restricts phones for new school year

More than 2.6 million children in Israel are returning to classrooms for the new school year, marked by significant changes to the curriculum and new campus restrictions. The Education Ministry is expanding STEM and artificial intelligence studies, with plans to provide AI training to over 12,000 teachers in English, science, and technology. Eighth and ninth-grade students will participate in a 20-hour course addressing AI usage, ethics, misinformation, and critical thinking.

In addition to technological shifts, schools are implementing new restrictions on smartphone use for middle school students. The ministry is also introducing financial education for ninth-graders and focusing on social and emotional resilience to combat bullying and violence. Despite these advancements, the education system faces a teacher shortage, with officials noting that hundreds of positions remain unfilled, occasionally requiring unqualified staff to cover classes.