Yondr Phone Pouches: Supporting a Phone-Free School Day
Why We Are Introducing Yondr, and the Importance of Being Present
At Brownedge, we are committed to creating a calm, focused and supportive learning environment where every pupil can flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Following extensive research, visits to other schools, discussions with pupils and a successful parent consultation, we are introducing Yondr phone pouches to help create a genuinely phone-free school day.
The response from parents was overwhelmingly positive, with almost four out of five parents supporting the initiative. Many identified improved concentration, reduced distractions, enhanced wellbeing and less exposure to social media during the school day as key benefits.
Mobile phones are an important part of modern life, helping us communicate, learn and stay connected. However, constant access to phones can also make it more difficult for young people to focus on learning, engage in face-to-face conversations and fully participate in school life.
The introduction of Yondr will support our existing mobile phone policy by providing a simple, consistent and fair way to ensure all pupils follow the same expectations throughout the school day.
Importantly, pupils will remain in possession of their phones at all times. Phones are not confiscated. Instead, they are securely stored in a locked Yondr pouch which stays with the pupil until the end of the school day.
This initiative is about giving young people the opportunity to be fully present:
- Giving lessons their full attention
- Enjoying conversations without notifications and distractions
- Building stronger friendships and relationships
- Reducing pressures associated with social media
- Developing healthy habits around technology
- Supporting wellbeing and personal growth
How Does It Work?
The daily routine is simple and quick:
Before School
Pupils will:
- Enter school via the new gate on the Tennis Courts and then through the canopy
- Use an unlocking station to unlock their pouch
- Place their switched off phone in the pouch and show a staff member on duty that it is off
- Secure the pouch
During the School Day
The pouch remains with the pupil, usually stored safely in their school bag.
End of the Day
Pupils unlock their pouch at one of the school's designated unlocking stations before leaving the site.
Additional staff support will be available during the implementation period to help pupils become familiar with the process.
Communication with Home
We understand that parents may have concerns about communication during the school day. Our arrangements will remain exactly the same as they are now. If a parent or carer needs to contact a child urgently, they can do so through Reception and messages will be passed on immediately. Similarly, if a pupil needs to contact home, support will be available through Reception, Pupil Reception or their Head of House.
The safety and wellbeing of our pupils will always remain our highest priority.
FAQs
What if my child doesn't bring their phone to school?
Pupils will enter school the same way and line up at the 'no phone' station. Pupils must still bring their pouch into school. Pupils may be searched to ensure they are not trying to sneak their phone in.
What if my child forgets their pouch?
Pupils will enter school the same way and line up at the 'no pouch' station. Pupils will hand their phone to a senior leader and it will be stored securely at Reception for the day. Pupils can then collect their phone from the dining hall at 3.15pm. A forgotten pouch will result in a 'negative' sanction for missing equipment.
What if my child loses their pouch?
Pupils who lose their pouch will receive a three-day PoD sanction and be charged £20 for a replacement.
What happens if my child is caught with a phone in school?
Pupils caught with a phone in school will have their phone confiscated for three days - please note, parents will not be permitted to collect the phone during this time. If a pupil refuses to hand over their phone, they will face a PoD sanction and suspension.
What happens if my child is late to school?
Latecomers should enter via Pupil Reception, where the same checks for phones will take place. If a pupil needs to leave early for an appointment, the Attendance, Reception or Pastoral team will unlock their pouch.
What if my child is on a trip?
If required, pupils will be permitted to have their phones with them on a trip. The usual rules around non-use will apply.
Creating the Best Environment for Learning
Schools around the world that have implemented Yondr have reported positive outcomes, including improved classroom engagement, stronger relationships, better behaviour and enhanced student wellbeing.
By introducing Yondr, we are taking another positive step towards ensuring Brownedge remains a calm, focused and caring environment where every child can thrive.
Together, we can help our young people disconnect from distractions and reconnect with learning, friendships and the opportunities that each school day brings.