The new school year has started back in September, but with a kick. As the use of smartphones have become more ubiquitous, distraction and antisocial behavior have become a concern for parents and schools. After years of phones being semi-allowed to be used on the school premises, in 2023, CSSJ came to the conclusion that it was time to enact the no-electronics policy for their students more practically. The policy bans students from using their electronics at any time during school hours.
What are Yondr pouches and why now?
Yondr pouches are pouches specially designed to lock and store your mobile device using a unique mechanism. Concerts, music festivals, workshops, corporate events and education institutions utilize Yondr pouches for their convenience. According to Yondr themselves, Yondr works with thousands of schools across 27 countries including all of the 50 U.S. States.
In an annual survey, over 1,200 schools that partnered with Yondr had been surveyed to demonstrate the effects of establishing the Yondr Education Program.
- 84% saw a change in student engagement
- 72% saw a positive change in student behavior
- 68% saw a positive change in academic performance
Of their most recent impact survey of over 370 school partners:
- 86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness
Yondr pouches help with students being more concentrated in learning without any distractions like social media. Distractions also cause disruptions in classes that are caused by texts, phone calls and music. These pouches push kids to have more social interaction and interact face to face to build stronger relationships with teachers and peers. Cyberbullying and explicit material being shared online can be reduced by limiting phones.
While Yondr pouches may have good consequences it can come with some disadvantages. Time management and self discipline is important and high school students can learn to achieve this throughout their school years. Phones allow students the ability to make responsible decisions in regard to their learning and time management. But if cellphones are banned then they might not have that sense, it could be a sign that they are mistrusted or not responsible enough. Another aspect is that phones can be useful in classrooms. It can help students in their assignment and help in note taking since technology is being used widely in schools.
In an interview with Principal Jamie Guzamn, he was asked why they added this rule now. “I thought it was time to implement the cell phone policy. We have a very welcoming and nurturing and supporting environment. And it felt like it was a good time to implement the policy,” he responded. When asked how it has been going, he responded: “Excellent. Better than I had anticipated.”
Students enter the school building in the morning and take out their own personal Yondr pouches that were assigned to them on the first day of school. Once they enter the school premises they turn off their phones, smartwatches, and earphones. Then they unlock their Yondr pouches and place their devices in them. Students keep their devices with them throughout the school day. Then at the end of the school day, they go to the exit where they can unlock the pouches by tapping the wall-mounted magnet with the pouch.
Concerns between students and parents
While there are benefits to Yondr pouches, students may lose or damage their own case. If this were to occur, students must pay a replacement fee of $35. Donovan Dargan, a senior in Community School for Social Justice, stated “Some Yondr pouches break easily because they bend”. This may raise problems since students will have to pay a fine despite the lack of robustness.
Parents may be concerned about the barrier that stops them from reaching their child in case of an emergency. To this, the school replies with, “Please contact the main office at 718-402-8481 to reach your student.” If there is ever an emergency situation, “we direct our students to safety first. School staff will be able to unlock a Yondr case in a matter of seconds for students once they are in a safe and secure location.” responded CSSJ.
This is a new beginning for the community in CSSJ, promoting a more engaged and focused environment for students and teachers. When asked if he had anything to say to the students, Principal Guzman replied, “You will appreciate that we are implementing this policy when you are older.”