How to separate elementary-school kids from their smartphones

(JNS) — Gabrielle Strauchler has been campaigning for years to remove mobile phones from her classroom. The English teacher for boys in Karnei Shomron, in Samaria, says the devices distract pupils, particularly those who are clearly addicted to digital games or social media.

Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced that beginning on Feb. 2 (Tu B’Shevat), a nationwide school policy will be implemented prohibiting children from using mobile phones anywhere on elementary school grounds, unless they are being used for educational purposes.

According to Kisch, “The policy is based on extensi...