This week marks the one-year anniversary, or “Yondr-versary” of implementing the Yondr phone-free initiative in our schools. Based on a staff survey in addition to general feedback from employees and students at the secondary level, feedback shows an overwhelmingly positive impact across our schools. Results highlight a school environment that is calmer, more focused, and more connected.
According to teachers, classroom distraction has dropped significantly and nearly 90% of staff say classroom management has improved, with many noting significant improvement. Student engagement is also up with over 90% of respondents reporting that student engagement is higher without cellphones in the classroom.
Students and staff report that relationships are stronger too, saying that people within our schools feel more connected without the distraction of cell phones. Students are having conversations with each other instead of communicating through text and messaging apps.
Perhaps most encouraging, based on the post-Yondr staff survey, job satisfaction remains overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of staff who responded to the survey reporting they feel satisfied in their role.
The first year of Yondr has shown measurable benefits for teaching, learning, and school climate. Thank you to everyone in our middle and high schools for your commitment to creating focused, supportive, phone-free learning environments for our students.