As the school year for 2025-2026 unfolds, so does the enforcement of Yondr Pouches. SCUSD schools are now using Yondr Pouches to minimize distractions in class and allow students to feel safer at school. Many students at Wilcox have expressed mixed opinions towards this new policy, for various reasons like the restriction of the tools phones provide. 

The following students lean towards a negative view towards the Yondr Pouches. 9th grader Sierra Berkman stated, “As a student, it distracts people less from their work, but in general, I don’t really like them because I feel like it’s inconvenient and some people who accidentally break them can’t afford to fix them.” With the model of the Yondrs, they can be easily broken when not closed properly. Since they are expensive, if they are lost or damaged students have to pay $25. Additionally, Rohan Verma, an 11th grader said, “I dislike them. They make my life harder… I know schools that do a system where they have pouches on the wall… I think that could have worked better then we could have our phones during other times so we could use them to take pictures.” There are some students who bring physical cameras whether it’s for personal or school use and in some classes, students can unlock their Yondrs to quickly use their phones (if needed). The phone pouches on the wall can restrict students from being on their phones in class and allow students to retrieve their phones if necessary, but there could be possible issues like students accidentally or purposely taking other phones. 

On the neutral side, 10th grader, Ashlyn Chang  says, “I don’t have an opinion on them, they don’t affect me that much, it’s not like I use my phone often in school,” Not all students students use their phones in school, but all interviewees have noticed peers offtask with their phones in class, so this has created a solution to some.

From a positive perspective, Jocelyn Wang, (grade 12) says, “I like the Yondr Pouches, as I think it’s great for people to be more present. I like seeing everyone actually talking to and interacting with their friends, rather than just a sea of phones.” With phones locked up, it forces people to have social interactions with each other and in some cases brings people together. Especially at lunch, where it’s noticed that a lot more people are talking, playing games, and other things with each other. 

According to Ms. Theresa, around 15 people forget their Yondrs each day, 83 do not have phones this year, and 5-10 people forget their phone each day. Not many students have had issues with keeping their phones in their Yondrs, as she says, “I think actually our kids have been good, you know with following the rules. So teachers have been great with checking them, and yeah, we appreciate that.” As the usage of Yondrs continues, she shares, “…everyday I’m trying to see what is the faster way to get the passes to the students.”

Ms. Robson, an English and Theater teacher at Wilcox, believes the Yondr Pouches are beneficial to students: “I love the Yondrs, it’s one less thing I have to manage and worry about and lets me focus on teaching, rather than worrying ‘Is their phone in their lap?’ ‘Is it in their pocket?’ ‘Are they listening to me?’” She also adds, “I would say I’ve seen more participation… I mean they’re forced to interact, they can’t just interact on their phone so I think they’re more willing to talk to each other.”

Ms. Luzon describes her experience with Yondr pouches as an administrator, “When I walk around and look in classrooms, I see students, you know, maybe a little bored sometimes, that’s normal, but paying attention, not on their phones.” For the future of Wilcox, she states, “I hope that students will develop better social skills with each other, and will appreciate the fact that you get a break from all the noise, like all the social media, even your parents kind of trying to communicate with you during your school day so that you can focus on school, learning, and your future.”

As we continue using Yondr, will it bring the future the district dreams of? All of the following students found no personal improvement in their ability to focus and distractions, but for peers instead. Another purpose of the Yondr Pouches was for safety, which all do not personally see improvement, but Chang mentions one solution as, “no video recording”. This prevents any issues with students accidentally being in anyone’s photos/videos without consent So far it seems it’s brought positive impacts, challenges, and no effect to some. Regardless of whether students like the Yondr Pouches or not, they are here to stay.