Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo: “We won’t let technology control us – we are removing smartphones from schools”
Mayor Ron Huldai has announced a trailblazing initiative to gradually reduce the presence of smartphones in schools aiming for their complete removal from educational grounds, starting September 2025.
This educational initiative named “Gaining attention” was introduced by Mayor Huldai at a school principals conference, to minimize smartphone presence in schools until their full removal from the school environment.
Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo: “We must dare to say: we are going to manage technology, not be managed by it. How? By removing smartphones from schools. My dream is that we will succeed together in pushing ourselves and our city’s educational system forward, out of our comfort zone, and that we will relearn the importance of attention and be fully present in the right place and at the right time. Several dozen elementary schools and at least 3-4 high schools are already part of this process this year. They are true pioneers, and I say this without a hint of cynicism—digital pioneers.
Innovation is a fundamental part of life in Tel Aviv, certainly for children education processes. We want children to be able to enjoy using artificial intelligence tools in a smart, quality, and creative way. We want to provide children with the ability and tools to use tablets and laptops for learning processes. However, at the same time, we also want to allow children to have simple moments with each other. We want emotional experiences and processes for every boy and girl who enters the school in the morning. All of this cannot be done optimally when smartphones are with the children at every moment.
This move is not simple, but is necessary I know there will be difficulties and opposition. But it is the right move to make, the responsible and healthy move. And this move will make education in Tel Aviv-Yafo more qualitative. I also believe that, as always, we may be the first, but this will be a process that will be adopted by others as well.”
The education system in Israel and Tel Aviv, like education systems worldwide, is addressing the challenges posed by information overload, technological stimuli, and social networks, which affect students’ concentration, learning, and social interactions. While technology offers benefits, there’s a growing understanding that managing attention and reducing distractions is essential for deep learning and meaningful connections.
Currently, dozens of elementary and high schools in the city are gradually reducing smartphone use during school hours. The city plans to begin this initiative in September 2025, starting with a significant reduction in smartphone usage, with the ultimate goal of complete removal, tailored to each age group.
Our goal is to create a distraction-free learning environment that fosters higher achievements and stronger social bonds. The municipality will fully support schools by providing resources, training, and guidance
The Tel Aviv-Yafo educational system leads innovative, value-driven education, integrating global trends into the local system to create an inspiring, distraction-free environment where every student can reach their full potential.
Mayor Ron Huldai at a School Principals Conference. Photo credit Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality