Back-to-school season looks different this year as districts across America are implementing new programs to ban smartphones in schools. This movement is being powered by lockable pouches from a 10-year-old company called Yondr. One history teacher at Richardson High School in Texas noted a significant change in his classroom dynamics after the school implemented a policy requiring students to lock their phones in pouches from the beginning to the end of the school day. This move has led to more engagement from students and improved classroom behavior.
The Richardson Independent School District is just one of the many districts joining the movement to get smartphones out of not only classrooms but also other common areas in schools. Yondr’s patented lockable magnetic pouches have become a popular technology to enforce these phone-free policies. Founder and CEO Graham Dugoni believes that giving students a break from their phones for at least six to eight hours a day can help them understand the difference between online and offline interactions. This trend is being supported by a growing national conversation about the potential harms of social media on children’s mental health.
The surge in districts and states restricting or banning smartphones in schools is evident with statewide laws being enacted in various states like Florida, Louisiana, and Indiana. Governors in California and New York are also pushing for similar restrictions, with Yondr reportedly lobbying officials in New York. The company has secured lucrative contracts with school districts across the country, with plans to expand its presence into other sectors like courtrooms and daycare facilities.
Although there have been challenges in implementing phone-free policies in schools, Yondr has been able to navigate these obstacles by providing a comprehensive instructional program to support schools in their transition. The company collects data on the impact of their pouches on student behavior, attendance, and academic performance and has seen positive results. Other organizations like the Phone-Free Schools Movement and Fairplay are also advocating for phone-free school environments, with resources and guidance for administrators.
Parents who oppose plans to eliminate smartphones in schools mainly cite concerns about safety and the ability to reach their children in emergencies. However, safety experts and administrators argue that phones can actually jeopardize student safety in emergency situations. The founders of the Phone-Free Schools Movement emphasize the importance of trusting schools to take care of students and foster a distraction-free learning environment. As more schools adopt phone-free policies, students are adapting well to the changes and enjoying more interactions with their peers.
Overall, the movement to ban smartphones in schools is gaining momentum across the country, with Yondr leading the way with its lockable pouches. As more districts prioritize student well-being and academic success, the conversation around smartphone use in schools continues to evolve. With ongoing support from organizations and companies like Yondr, educators are hopeful that students can benefit from a more focused and engaging learning environment.
