Tel Aviv expands school project to reduce student smartphone use

A study in Tel Aviv has shown significant success in reducing smartphone use among students through the ‘Hinuch bekeshev’ (educating with attention) project. Researchers from Tel Aviv University and Bar-Ilan University found that 74 percent of participating students leave their phones aside during school breaks, compared to only 21 percent of students outside the project.

The initiative involves storing phones in special lockers during lessons. Results indicate that this approach increases student concentration and social interaction. Notably, the reduction in school-time usage does not appear to be compensated for by increased usage outside of school hours or via other devices like tablets.

Following these results, the municipality of Tel Aviv intends to expand the program to all 37 secondary schools in the city. Mayor Ron Huldai stated that the goal is not to fight technology, but to ensure students use digital tools for high-quality creative education while maintaining simple, focused moments.