Newly implemented Yondr pouches spark conversation at Summit High School

A newly implemented no-phone rule at Summit High School has prompted students and staff to reflect on the positives and negatives of the change.

Summit High School students are required to place their cell phones in Yondr pouches for the duration of the school day.

By Sonnet Renoux

Sep. 25, 2024

On Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, over 1,000 Summit High School students faced an abrupt departure from the daily use of their cellphones in school. First period teachers instructed students to place their phones in brown paper bags in an effort to imitate the effects of the Yondr pouches while they were still being delivered to the school. Sep. 16, 2024 marked the first day that the Yondr pouches would be implemented in students' daily routines. Students and teachers alike noticed immediate effects, both positive and negative.

Yondr pouches are fabric cases that magnetically lock and can only be opened with the use of a strong magnet. Students place their phones inside the pouches upon arrival to school and unlock them at the end of the school day using the provided magnets.

Following several years of unsuccessful cell phone hotels, where students placed their phones in designated pockets for the duration of class, teachers agreed that a stronger measure was to be taken. 

“As we were planning with teachers about how to support ‘away for the day,’ Yondr pouches were brought up as an option,” said co-principal Britny Acres. “After getting survey results from parents who supported a stronger process for cell phones, we moved forward with Yondr pouches.”

The newly implemented Yondr pouches have allowed for more social time, fewer distractions, and more mental health benefits among students. Many faculty members are in favor of the new tools, as it has allowed for a more engaged student body.

“I think the Yondr pouches are necessary,” said assistant principal David DeRose. “I like that students will still be able to maintain possession of their devices, as they are expensive and can cause anxiety if in someone else’s possession.” 

Since the implementation of Yondr pouches, the school has taken various steps to try and engage students in other activities by assigning designated hacky sack zones and purchasing two ping-pong tables, which students are allowed to use freely during off-periods and lunches. In an effort to accommodate the student body during this change and target their interests, the administrative team began taking suggestions from students on how to make the transition better.

Since the no-phone rule was created, SHS students have observed differences in the school atmosphere. Many have noticed increased socialization efforts, playing of games, and an overall boost in morality. 

“I notice students are more in-the-moment,” said sophomore Julia Willey.

Within the first month of school, teachers have seen positive impacts in their classrooms and in the hallways.

“I think it’s one of the largest battles to have students put their phones away,” said math teacher Dylan Nicoletti. “It’s nice to see students playing games, talking, you know, I don’t have to look at kids walking down the hallway and say ‘watch where you’re going!’”

Despite the positive impact the Yondr pouches had at SHS, various concerns and questions have come up in the past three weeks since the implementation of the no-phone rule. Many students were concerned about their inability to contact guardians, especially during emergency situations. Students were instructed to contact family and friends via email. A multitude of students had to adjust and check their email regularly: something that hadn’t been the case until this year.

“I think it is ok to have your phones ‘away for the day,’ but you should be able to contact your loved ones in case of emergencies,” said sophomore Alex Stoyanova when asked about her opinion on the Yondr pouches.

Students have also noticed that the lack of cell phone usage at school was negatively affecting their after school plans. With text messaging not a readily available resource, students have struggled to make last minute changes to their schedules without facing consequences. “I had to wait an hour for my dad to pick me up after school because I couldn’t tell him when I needed to get picked up,” said sophomore Lydia Ashley. 

Though the positive effects have been prevalent, some teachers have found it difficult to navigate lesson plans with the newly enforced phone ban. 

“We were getting used to kids taking pictures or notes with their phones to review later,” said Mr. Nicoletti. He acknowledged that some aspects of teaching are harder without the use of cell phones. English teacher and yearbook supervisor Kristy McClain shared Mr. Nicoletti’s sentiment, but also acknowledged the unexpected perks of not being able to use cell phones in yearbook.

“Most cameras on phones are more sophisticated than the digital cameras that we are now using again in yearbook, but having to plan and take a quality photo without the aid of a cell  phone is a great skill to acquire,” said Mrs. McClain.

The Yondr pouches continue to spark conversations within the SHS community as teachers and students adjust to the change. 

“I believe the Yondr pouches will support students and a healthy environment,” said Mrs. Acres.