Yondr pouches, a magnetically locking system for phones, divides adults and students. Schools across the U.S are adopting Yondr pouches, while states like Florida, New York, and Louisiana have passed laws regulating phone use in schools. 

Supporters argue the pouches increase student engagement in class. However, some students say the devices don’t improve academic performance and are easy to bypass.

“I would see a lot of people sneak their phones and pay less attention since they were focused on hiding it,” freshman Vanessa Maldonado confessed. Maldonado also revealed that her screentime actually went up as a result of feeling the need to ‘make up’ the time she lost.

On the other hand, English teacher Katherine Sagritolo said phones can distract students even before class begins.

“Some students walk into class very engaged with their phones; which makes it hard for them to disengage or to be ready to start learning at the beginning of class,” Sagritalo said. 

While teachers may say one thing to support the pouches, students say another thing that challenges it. The use of Yondr pouches remains a divisive issue, reflecting differing perspectives between generations and educational experiences. As states continue to put phone restrictions in schools, student input on the matter is limited.