At JIS our aim is to create the best possible environment for learning. The Middle School's position on technology is that usage must be developmentally appropriate, support learning and encourage high-quality teaching.
We believe that students learn best when they are fully focused on what is happening in the classroom environment, whether it be a presentation by teachers or peers, classroom discussions, working in groups, working on one’s own work, etc. The presence of student smart phones in the learning environment stands in direct opposition to learning and attention. Evidence suggests multi-tasking is ineffective for learning and memory (The myth of multi-tasking, Emma Whitford).
The evidence that phones in pockets interfere with learning is now so clear that in August 2023 UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) issued a report that addressed the adverse effects that digital technology, and smart phones in particular, are having on education around the world. Mobile phone use is directly linked to reduced educational performance and increased classroom disruption. Smart phones not only damage learning, but they also damage social relationships. Adolescents today need community and communion. A phone-free Middle School will help rapidly improve student socialization and mental health (The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt).
JIS Middle School is a phone-free campus for students from arrival until 5:00 PM.
In order to facilitate high-quality learning in our classrooms:
All middle school students who bring a phone to school will be given a Yondr phone pouch free of charge. These pouches securely lock and block cell signals, helping students stay focused and free from digital distractions. When students arrive at school, they must place their phones in the pouch and lock it. They will keep the locked pouch with them throughout the day. Phones can be unlocked when students leave campus through the Simatupang or Terogong gates. Students can also come to the MS Office during the day to unlock their phones if they need to call home.
Students in after-school activities, athletics, or religion classes must also keep their phones locked in the pouch until they leave campus. Phones must be turned off and stay in the pouch at all times while on campus.
Similarly, computers must be used for the educational task given by the teacher. All other tabs, windows, desktops, apps, etc. should be closed to avoid distraction (e.g. Whatsapp should not be open on laptops).
Students will not be permitted to listen to music from their computers on their headphones unless specifically instructed by the teacher for educational use
Earbuds and Headphones
Students are expected to bring earbuds and/or headphones to school to enable them to listen to videos and audio files in lessons. Students are not allowed to use headphones/ earbuds between 7:00-3:15 unless specifically requested by the teacher for learning purposes.
When students arrive at school in the morning, they must lock their phones in their Yondr phone pouch.
During morning advisory, teachers will check that phone pouches are properly locked and stored in bags.
When leaving school, students can unlock their pouch at the Simatupang or Terogong gates.
Students who forget their pouch should give their phone to Ms. Spicer in the Middle School Office. They may collect it at the end of the school day.
* Exceptions may be made for:
students who need to contact their parents can use their phone in the MS office only
off-campus or international trips
medical conditions (with consultation from the JIS nursing team)
Students who need to be on campus for late start JIS academy may access their phon
students who have a "dumb" phone
You can call the Middle School Office on +62 (0)21 50989555 ext:11500 at any time. We will find your child and have them return your call at the earliest opportunity.
Your child can visit the Middle School Office to call you using the school phone or briefly unlock their Yondr pouch to use their phone. They must re-lock the phone before leaving the office.
If your child does not have or bring a phone to school, please inform the Middle School Office so we can keep a record. Your child will not be issued a pouch unless they later begin bringing a phone to school.
No. All middle school activities—whether during or after school—are phone-free. Phones must remain locked in the pouch throughout.
Students may use their phones after 5:00 PM. If they are waiting between 3:00–5:00 PM, they may unlock and use their phone only in the Simatupang waiting area. If they return to campus before 5:00 PM, their phone must be re-locked in the pouch.
Replacement Yondr pouches can be purchased from the Middle School Office for Rp450,000.
Will my student receive messages if they were sent when their phone was in the pouch?
Yes, when the phone is turned on again, or removed from the pouch, all of the missed messages will be received.
Updated August 2025