Jerusalem, 31 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Tel Aviv is set to expand a high school cellphone ban citywide after an initial study found a sharp decline in student phone use, particularly during breaks. The municipality introduced the pilot program a year ago, making it the first such initiative in Israel.
Researchers found that 74% of students at schools enforcing the ban rarely or never use their phones during breaks, compared with 21% who use them moderately or frequently. At schools without restrictions, the figures were reversed, with 79% of students reporting moderate or frequent use. The municipality said the findings demonstrate the program’s effectiveness and support extending the policy to every high school in the city.