(haipo) Education Minister Yoav Kish announced that starting in the 2017 school year, a new policy will be implemented that prohibits the use of mobile phones in middle schools during the school day and on school grounds. The move comes after the implementation of the first phase in elementary schools, and following extensive professional staff work conducted at the Ministry of Education.
Prohibition of the use of telephones in middle schools – the main points of the policy
According to the new policy, the use of mobile phones will not be permitted during the school day and on school grounds. The use of the devices will only be permitted in designated classes where the educational staff approves controlled use for learning purposes. The devices will remain turned off in students' folders or on storage media to be determined by the schools. The move will be accompanied by educational programs for digital literacy, balanced use of technology, and strengthening social and emotional skills.
Minister of Education Yoav Kish: "We see too many cases of children being together in class, but each alone in front of their own screen. School should be a place that gives children back the human encounter and the ability to truly be with each other, reduce distractions, and increase attention to learning."
Professional staff work and research background
The policy was formulated following extensive professional staff work conducted at the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Scientist, professional bodies, school principals, local authorities, parent leadership, and the National Student and Youth Council. As part of the work, studies and trends in Israel and around the world were examined regarding the impact of smartphone use on attention and concentration, sleep quality, emotional state, and the ability to maintain direct social relationships during adolescence. Among other things, data was presented indicating an increase in use characterized by processes of addiction to social networks, damage to sleep habits, a decrease in face-to-face social encounters, and the consequences of continuous interruption of attention on learning and development processes. Studies from around the world were also presented that indicated an improvement in the school climate, academic achievements, and student engagement following the restriction of the use of phones in schools.
Gradual implementation and school support
The move will be implemented in a phased manner and will be accompanied by regular guidelines for schools, education teams and parents, alongside adapting activity spaces and social alternatives during breaks, with the aim of strengthening interpersonal interaction, social activity and a continuous and focused study routine. The Ministry of Education will continue to accompany schools and local authorities in the assimilation process, as part of a broad move to strengthen the educational climate, protection and well-being of Israeli students. Minister Kish added that "in recent months, extensive staff work has been done on the issue. This is not only a technological issue but an educational and ethical question. Our responsibility is not only to understand the reality, but also to act in a timely manner."
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This will fail.
At this age, children are already addicted to their cell phones and will experience anger, frustration, and violence when separated from them during school hours. It is even likely that absence from school will increase as children feel "sick" staying home with all the screens - computer, TV, cell phones, video games.
You made me laugh…..these guys are more sophisticated than those who will try to monitor the ban.