Today, the constant use and dependence on phones is normal. Many people rely on phones for communication, to build connections, and has become the primary means of self-expression through social media apps. With the new implementation of Yondr pouches, a lockable case that keeps phones secure and inaccessible until unlocked, the Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy administration implemented this policy in order for students to unplug from their phones during school hours. However, students resent this policy and find it ineffecitve in decreasing phone dependence. As the year began, many students thought of creative ways around the Yondr pouch.

Inital student reactions strongly resisted being locked away from their phones for the school day. As we look back at the first semester of the school year, have students sentiments changed over the past months?

A survey was conducted to gauge how FSHA students felt about Yondr pouches, and whether they reduced overal screen times. In addition, does the daytime restriction cause a more concentrated dependency of phones? This survey asked a range of questions from their screentime on devices, to if they feel anxiety about not being able to connect with people on their phones, and if they feel it has helped improve their face-to-face connections.

The majority of students shared that the pouches have not positively affected their lives. Instead of forcing them to detach, and directing them away from phones and onto other interests, over 50% of students claimed they feel more of an addiction and concentrated reliance on their phones.

The survey data shows that screen time before and after the Yondr pouches had little to no change for many students; instead, many students reported they felt an increased desire to be on their screens after school for various reasons like catching up on missed notifications.

Along with this data, a large percentage of students reported feeling anxious when unable to check their phones, often experiencing anxiety when they could not check messages from family, carpools or extracurricular activities. Even though the school had hopes of improving face-to-face interactions, many students found new ways to communicate with others via computer devices instead of phones.

In summary, 60% of students reported they felt no increase in focus or happiness during school hours. Three quarters stated that Yondr pouches have negatively affected their habits to their phones outside of regular school hours.

While most data shows that students have felt negative impacts from the Yondr pouches, there is some collected data that shows students are receiving benefits from the new policy.

While we were unable to directly collect data on the unconscious benefits of limiting phones use during school hours, there are established studies to consider. Yondr pouches get rid of outside distractions and allow students to be more present with classmates during breaks and lunch. Fewer distractions in class or sneaking to the bathrooms to use their phones allow students to create more productive, conductive learning environments that increase engagement.

All in all, at FSHA, the survey responses recorded that Yondr pouches did not have the positive impact as the administration had hoped and instead, created new habits of increased phone use outside of school. The enforced detachement has heightened dependency and stress surrounding the use of devices. Time will tell on the long term impacts, both beneficial and consequential, of these phone restrictions.