The Pirate Post

ARE YONDR POUCHES THE SOLUTION OR THE PROBLEM?

 By Abi Lenze and Izzy Goodnite

In April 2024, Ohio’s Governor, Mike DeWine, passed a bill to limit students’ use of phones during the school day. Set to take full effect in January 2026, schools have started to put prevention and repercussions in place to ban phones. While some schools have requested that phones not be brought on campus at all, others have implemented Yondr pouches —a secure bag used to store an individual’s mobile device or devices— which are magnetically locked and unlocked during the day. 

Yondr Pouches provide a seemingly simple solution to a complex issue, but what are the concerns from the student body and parents? What are the benefits pointed out by the staff and students in support?

 Pros of Yondr Pouches:

  • An increase in communication from the student body
  •  Without their phones, students are forced to interact with each other during downtime (lunch, in between classes, before class, etc.)
  •  There has been a noticeable increase in participation from students in clubs.
  • A much-needed break from the eyes of social media
  •  Students no longer have to worry about photos taken during school are being posted
  •  No checking notifications during the day
  • Doom scrolling is prevented during hours meant to be dedicated to studying
  • Less usage of Al
  • Most forms of Artificial Intelligence are banned on school computers, meaning most work is directly from students
    Not using Al for schoolwork will increase critical thinking skills and test scores.
  • If you really need your phone, you can unlock the pouch.

Cons of Yondr Pouches:

  • Lack of Parental & General Communication;
  • Sports & Clubs (practice, rides)
    Emergencies
    Emotional support
  • Medical Appt.’s
  • Work
  • Increase of Student Anxiety;
  • Sense of Security & Safety
    Availability to get help ASAP if needed
  • Increase of phone usage at home & in-car;
     Checking unread notifications
  • Messaging parents/guardians about the

Last-minute changes in the car

  • Students use more at home
  • Late-night scrolling
  • Non-phone access in certain classes & areas;
  • Pictures for personal presentations & projects
  • Interviews or questionnaires
  • Many websites that are needed for school are blocked on chromebooks

Mr. Harsh, Southeast High School’s Assistant Principal, stated, “The good thing about Yondr pouches is you can always rip them open,” when asked about safety concerns regarding the pouches during an interview. He, along with most members of the staff, are clearly in support of Yondr pouches, and are willing to address any concern about them. Students should remember, your phone is not gone, you are being given a tool to help you follow the law.