Our stance: We are calling for Boston Public Schools to abolish the Yondr Pouches, but we are willing to work with BPS leadership to create alternative solutions together. While we appreciate BPS’s concern of limiting distractions for our instructional learning, we feel Yondr Pouches have done more harm than good. We’ve listed our top reasons for concern below.

1. Inconsistent, confusing policy 

We do not have a clear, organized policy around the Yondr Pouches. Some school principals have said they “trust their students” and do not feel the need to use Yondr Pouches. Some schools enforce Yondr Pouches based on grade levels. Some classroom teachers only enforce Yondr Pouches for incentivizing purposes. There is no common enforcement or understanding around Yondr Pouches. 

2. Disruption of learning

Instead of focusing on our instructional learning, we are now constantly trying to find innovative ways to get our cell phones back into our possession. We have resorted to breaking Yondr Pouches, and bringing in old cell phones to disguise as our real devices. This has created an unnecessary disruption to our learning. 
 
3. Privacy and safety concerns
Students feel uncomfortable with their personal devices being locked away, especially when they need them for important matters. Some of our students leave the school campus for lunch and other school related activities. Leaving any school premise without our cell phone is an extreme safety hazard. 

4. Financial waste on Yondr Pouches 

The cost of Yondr pouches is a financial waste for BPS. We still do not have adequate textbooks and materials we need for our learning. We are required to pay a deposit for Yondr Pouches, and may need to pay again for a replacement fee. We feel BPS can use their financial resources for much greater investments related to student success. 

We encourage Boston Public Schools to remove the Yondr Pouch policy and explore more effective ways to manage phone use. We believe a new, thoughtful approach to phone use will empower students to take responsibility for themselves, thus creating a trusting and engaging community. By signing this petition, you show your support for a new policy that supports a better learning environment for all.

Fill this form out to further support our cause and take action by attending our town hall: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ftXmavRQClVQTbc4ONwwOscm536ytmLOb55-YI1zBsY/viewform?edit_requested=true