Schools adopt innovative pouches to tackle cell phone distractions

In a recent government meeting, school officials discussed the implementation of new cell phone management strategies in classrooms, focusing on the use of Yonder pouches and Faraday bags. The Yonder pouches, which securely lock phones away, were previously trialed at Topeka West and Highland Park high schools, where they reportedly eliminated cell phone distractions. The pouches allow students to maintain custody of their devices while keeping them out of sight during class.

Officials noted that the Yonder pouches are more effective than Faraday bags, which block signals but do not lock. The cost for 2,000 Yonder pouches is approximately $64,000, while the Faraday bags would total around $90,000. Grant funds are available to support the purchase of the pouches, which are seen as a solution to ongoing issues with cell phone use in schools post-COVID.

Concerns were raised about students with medical needs requiring immediate access to their phones. To address this, a Velcro version of the pouch was discussed, allowing quick access without the need for unlocking. The policy will allow principals to make accommodations for students needing their phones for medical reasons, such as monitoring glucose levels.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of a consistent policy across classrooms to ensure fair enforcement. Feedback from teachers indicated that a system where phones are locked at the beginning of the school day and unlocked at the end would minimize disruptions and maximize learning time. The officials emphasized the need for a unified approach to cell phone management to foster a focused educational environment.