The Texarkana Arkansas School District (TASD) Board of Directors has approved a new initiative to create phone-free environments at Arkansas Middle School and Arkansas High School. The program will use Yondr pouches to help enhance the learning experience by limiting phone use during school hours.
While acknowledging the benefits of cell phones, the district is addressing concerns over phone addiction and its impact on students’ well-being. Previous efforts to reduce phone use in schools faced challenges, but the Yondr system aims to change that.
With the Yondr system, students will place their phones and small electronic devices in secure pouches upon arrival at school. The pouches will be locked, and students will keep them throughout the day. The pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day, allowing students access to their devices.
Schools using Yondr have reported positive results, including an 84% improvement in student engagement, a 72% improvement in behavior, a 68% boost in academic performance, and an 86% increase in student safety and wellness.
More information will be provided to students and families before the Yondr pouches are introduced this fall. For details and to share feedback, visit www.TASD7.net.
