Overview
- Several Philadelphia schools are using Yondr pouches or classroom locked cabinets to make phones inaccessible during instruction and report higher student focus and classroom participation.
- James Rhoads Elementary requires students to lock phones in Yondr pouches for the day while West Philadelphia High keeps devices in clear, locked classroom cabinets that students can access at lunch and between classes.
- School leaders say restricting phones has reduced distractions, cut down on incidents of students recording fights or staff, and improved social interaction during lunch and recess.
- Principals report practical challenges including the cost of equipment, staff time to manage devices, students trying to circumvent systems, and initial family anxiety about access to phones.
- The state Senate and House have passed differing bell-to-bell proposals and Gov. Josh Shapiro supports a statewide ban, but lawmakers have not agreed on scope or exceptions so local policies will guide the new school year.