After approval by the TASD Board, it was announced that phone-free environments will be implemented at Arkansas Middle and Arkansas High Schools. A pouch called Yondr will be used to enhance the teaching and learning environment in classrooms.
While the value of mobile phones as a tool is recognized, the potential negative impact of phone addiction on student well-being is also well known. Despite previous attempts to limit student phone use in school, the challenge remains as long as the devices are easily accessible. It is believed that both student learning outcomes and social behavior improve when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates.
The Yondr system uses a simple, secure bag to store phones and other small electronic devices, such as smartwatches and earbuds. Students at Arkansas Middle and Arkansas High place their phones (either turned off or in airplane mode) in personally assigned Yondr bags when they arrive at school. Students keep their phones but cannot use them until the bags are unlocked at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Yondr bags to and from school each day and are responsible for their bags at all times.
Reports from other schools using Yondr show:
– 84% more student engagement
– 72% improvement in student behavior
– 68% improvement in academic performance
– 86% improvement in student safety and wellbeing
More information will be made available to students and families before the Yondr bags are released in the fall. In the meantime, interested parties can visit this website at www.TASD7.net to learn more about Yondr and provide feedback.
