Kevin Bumble ‘26
The time is here; millions of students across New York state are now back in school. Introductions are made, grades are laid, sports commence, and students adjust. This year, students are adjusting to life without phones. Since Governor Kathy Hochul declared on May 9, 2025, smartphones and other electronic devices that aren’t school-provided computers are officially banned in K-12 Schools.
Some schools are deciding to enforce the ban by simply telling students to put it in their lockers or hand it in to the school at the beginning of the day. Although many schools, particularly those in our surrounding area, have adopted a new technology to lock away electronic devices. They are shaped like a Tic Tac and gray, like a storm cloud. Only able to be unlocked from a proprietary unlocking device, costing roughly $30 per unit and bought in mass, the Yondr pouches.
The Yondr pouch that holds a “dear” friend of many has recently been introduced into our school. Everyone in the school knew it was coming, as dread filled the air because of the unwanted anticipation. Everyone lined up at the stations of them all, getting assigned a number and told to lock away their “dear” friends. However, there are some benefits to locking away our “dear” friends, as they aren’t really our friends,s AKA our phones. They are distractions that infect us with radiation for such lengthy periods. They track our every move and steal every thought. No less the fact how important it has been to the social interactions of teenagers. Before we continue to express how the Yondr pouches are and will continue to be beneficial, let's discuss where they came from.
It is 2014, in San Francisco, a man named Graham Dugoni started up a company, Yondr. Initially, the idea of limiting technology intake would be pitched by Dugoni door-to-door to schools and music venues in the Bay Area. To have the idea of becoming phone-free, and not have the distractions of phones ruin the educational value of schools. As well as the value of the experiences at music venues. Dugoni would pitch his idea with a hand-sewn version of the modern Yondr pouch. Today, Yondr is recognized as one of the leading figures in establishing phone-free spaces for businesses, schools, and families worldwide. Now the Yondr pouches are easy to use. First, you insert your electronic device into the pouch, then you simply push the side with the needle into the hole, and it’s locked. You also keep the pouch on you. Then, to unlock it, there’s a magnetic device that opens it, and then you have access to your electronic device.
Now, from a student viewpoint, given the Governor’s mandate to restrict cell phone use from bell to bell, Yondr pouches are rather controversial, as the freedom of use is restricted, and during off times, it is now needed to find other things to keep ourselves occupied. No less the fact that outside communication is limited, and that most schools restrict emails to students from outside sources, limiting the amount of things students can do with their school accounts. With all of these negatives, what are the reasons that make the use of Yondr pouches worth it?
Firstly, with the use of Yondr pouches, the amount of screen time that students may have will decrease. No less the fact that their phones won’t distract them anymore, while they’re learning about an important subject or when talking to others. It also takes away the escape of indulging in phones, making everybody live in the moment. Subsequently, supporting socialization among students that has been lost in recent years, because smartphones have become widespread. Along with the introduction of social media, teenagers seem to prefer communicating over that than in person in certain circumstances. To help support the idea that Yondr pouches are beneficial for students, I asked some students to tell me what they think will come out of the Yondr pouches, along with some of Greenport High School's teachers.
Lea Rodger, a Senior, says she “talks more to her friends, and utilizes her time better.” Marcus Kruszeski, a sophomore, says he thinks, “It's a good idea, [and a] good way to keep kids off their phones.” John Harvey says increased “face-to-face social time with his peers” has been nice, and Barbara Mantzopoulos, also a senior, says that “wouldn’t happen if he had her phone, as she would be watching TikTok.” Overall, the response from students has been positive.
Teachers have also noticed the positive effects this school year. Mrs. Labrozzi, one of our Spanish teachers, thinks that “it’s already easier to connect with students, before it was a struggle to compete for attention. I think I’m already making more connections, and I think the pouches are making students converse more with their peers. I have students tell me about the awkward silences that they can’t fill the space with technology, and I believe that it will bring more attention in class.” Mr. Buckley, the Chemistry and AP Environmental Science teacher, says, “It is the greatest idea ever, long overdue.” Finally, Mr. Holt, the AP US History and Regents US History teacher, says, “I think it is a way to try to help students stay honest about having phones, and hopefully everyone adjusts to the changes.”
The long-term effects of the Yondr pouch will undoubtedly be positive. Considering all the changes that students and teachers have noticed, these changes will stay. Socialization among peers in school is increasing, and with faculty too. Something that was starting to fade away in the last few years, especially post-COVID. The physical effects too, like the decrease in blue light exposure. All thanks to the Yondr pouch.
Hopefully, in the future, other states will join in implementing a cell phone ban in schools. Considering the positive changes that have been noticed in such a short time, the Yondr pouches have definitely been a worthy investment. The Yondr pouch is the way of the future. The Yondr pouch is the way to a smarter youth. The Yondr pouch is the way to a better school community. The Yondr pouch will be one of the best purchases that Greenport Schools has ever made.