I asked several Barristers some questions about how, if at all, not having access to their phones during the school day had on their overall phone use. Here’s what they had to say:
- Has the Yondr pouch changed how much you rely on your phone?
- Has your focus in class improved or stayed the same?
- Do you miss your phone or feel like you’ve adjusted?
- Now that seniors are free from pouches, do you feel jealous or indifferent?
Samantha A: Yes. Without using the phone, it’s hard to focus; I need it, but just not having it around. Feels weird.” She admitted it was harder to communicate and post on social media, but wasn’t pressed about getting it back. “No, probably not. Even amount at most,” she said when asked if she could use her phone more if she had it.
Carolina G. had a slightly different take: “Maybe a little more attention, more time to do work, more focused.” But she added that “having your phone means you can talk to your friends, especially if you have no classes with your besties.” For her, the social aspect mattered more than anything else.
Aubrey R. was straightforward: “No, because there are other distractions.”
[She commented about focus.]
Aubrey, cont’d: “Yes, I want my phone back, because if you see someone, you’d want to text them,” showing how habits and expiations haven’t gone away, just paused.
So, did the Yondr Pouches change students? A little. Some students feel more aware of their screen habits, and others miss the connection phones give them during school. One thing is clear — even if the pouch rule disappears, the conversation about how much we rely on our devices is just getting started. The real test isn’t locking phones away, it’s seeing if students can focus when they finally get them back.
