Preliminary findings from Tel Aviv University and Bar-Ilan University show that 74% of students in schools participating in the “Gaining Attention” initiative never or rarely use their phones during school breaks, compared with just 21% in schools not participating in the initiative
Following a pilot program conducted in a limited number of schools over the past year, Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality is expanding “Gaining Attention” to all 37 secondary schools across the city during the 2026–2027 school year
Preliminary findings from a new study conducted in collaboration with Tel Aviv University and Bar-Ilan University point to significant changes associated with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality’s “Gaining Attention” initiative, which aims to reduce smartphone-related distractions in schools and strengthen students’ attention, concentration and social interaction.
Initiated by Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo, the program removes smartphones from the school environment through dedicated storage lockers, alongside teacher training, cooperation with parents and the deliberate use of technology when it contributes to learning.
The research is being conducted by Prof. Analia Schlosser, Dr. Roee Levy and Edgar Muchnik of Tel Aviv University’s School of Economics, together with Dr. Yuval Ofek-Shanny of Bar-Ilan University, and examines the effects of reducing smartphone access on students and teachers in the city’s secondary schools.
Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo: “When we launched ‘Gaining Attention’ and began removing smartphones from schools, I said that we had to dare to manage technology rather than allow technology to manage us. These preliminary findings strengthen our belief that we are moving in the right direction.
This is not a fight against technology. We absolutely want children to use digital tools for high-quality, creative learning. At the same time, we want to give them back the simple moments they have with one another. This is not an easy change, but I believe it is the right, responsible and healthy thing to do.”
The Most Significant Change: What Happens During School Breaks
The most striking difference identified by the researchers was during school breaks.
In schools not participating in the initiative, 79% of students reported using their phones with moderate or high frequency during breaks. In schools implementing “Gaining Attention,” by contrast, 74% of students reported either not using their phones at all or using them only rarely.
The time away from smartphones does not appear to remain empty. Teachers in participating schools reported significantly higher levels of positive social activity among students during breaks compared with teachers in other schools.
The study also found an initial positive indication of improved concentration, although researchers emphasize that at this stage it is not yet possible to determine whether the improvement was directly caused by the initiative.
Importantly, the reduction in phone use during school hours was not accompanied by a significant increase in smartphone use outside school. Researchers identified a possible small increase after school hours, but not enough to offset the reduction during the school day. Nor was there an increase in the use of alternative devices such as tablets.
Students Recognize the Problem, but Find It Difficult to Change Alone
The research also provides a broader picture of students’ relationship with their smartphones.
Most students surveyed reported using their phones for more than three hours per day, while 50% spend more than two hours a day on social media.
At the same time, many students themselves recognize that their smartphone use is difficult to regulate and that they use their phones more than they believe is good for them. More than one-third believe that reducing their usage could improve their sleep, concentration and academic performance.
The findings also highlight the importance of the social environment. Students believe reducing phone use would benefit them considerably more when their entire class does so together than when they are expected to make the change individually.
According to the researchers, this strengthens the rationale for a collective, school-wide approach rather than leaving responsibility solely with individual students and their families.
Resistance Declines Over Time
Student satisfaction with the new policy was initially low, but increased significantly over the course of the school year, particularly among students who had initially expressed the strongest dissatisfaction.
The trend suggests a gradual adaptation to the new school environment.
Teachers participating in the initiative were also more likely to have received training on healthy smartphone use and to conduct classroom activities addressing the issue.
Students at a school in Tel-Aviv Photo: Kfir Sivan
Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo. Photo: Kfir Sivan
Expanding to All 37 Secondary Schools
Following a pilot program conducted in a limited number of schools during the previous school year, the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality is expanding “Gaining Attention” to all 37 secondary schools in the city during the 2026–2027 school year.
As part of the full implementation, middle and high schools will work to reduce attention-related distractions in the learning environment while introducing tools and educational practices designed to strengthen students’ concentration, presence, interpersonal communication and relationships.
The initiative combines dedicated smartphone storage lockers, training for educational staff, cooperation with parents and the controlled use of technology when it serves clear educational purposes.
At the same time, a new program will begin in nine middle schools, where seventh-grade students will learn using Chromebook laptops. The devices will allow teachers to create a focused digital learning environment, support differentiated learning and integrate technology in a controlled way according to educational needs.
The program will also be accompanied by academic research and is based on the principle that attention is fundamental to learning, emotional well-being and a sense of belonging.
Researchers plan to conduct additional surveys during the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school years, allowing for a deeper assessment of the initiative, further investigation of the barriers preventing students from reducing smartphone use, and dedicated research into the effects of reduced smartphone use on concentration and working memory.
“Gaining Attention” is a citywide educational initiative of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality that addresses attention throughout the educational journey. In early childhood, the focus is on developing presence, self-regulation and listening skills. Elementary schools continue to strengthen these abilities while working with families to delay smartphone use and encourage healthier screen habits. In secondary schools, the focus shifts toward reducing distractions and creating learning environments and practices that strengthen attention, concentration and human connection.