Yondr is an American company whose main product is the Yondr Pouch, which aids in creating phone-free environments.[2] The pouch allows individuals to keep their phones with them while preventing use in designated phone-free spaces, such as schools, courthouses, and live event venues.[3][4][5] Founded in 2014 by Graham Dugoni, the company has expanded its services to 27 countries, with offices in London and Dublin.[6][7][8] Yondr's pouches are intended to reduce distractions and prevent unauthorized photography or recordings.
The concept for Yondr began in 2012 with founder and former professional soccer player, Graham Dugoni after he attended the Treasure Island Music Festival and witnessed an intoxicated festival goer dancing and people recording.[9][10] Dugoni leaned on his interest in sociology, phenomenology, and the philosophy of technology and began experimenting with several options for the design of the Yondr pouch.[9][11]
Technology
The pouches use magnetic locks similar to those used with hard electronic article surveillance tags, with phones being placed in the pouch upon entry to the phone-free space. The owner retains possession of the phone inside the pouch, and upon departing, the pouch can be unlocked and the phone removed by tapping it on an unlocking base.[12]
Yondr pouches do not block cell signals or the internet. Staff members typically ask phone owners to turn off their devices or switch them to airplane mode before locking them inside the pouch.[13]
Implementation of Yondr products
A Yondr phone pouch
Yondr facilitates phone-free environments designed to limit distractions during learning.[14] Yondr was initially used by educational institutions addressing concerns about cellphone use in classrooms.[15] It has since been used in entertainment venues where artists seek to create distraction-free experiences, courtrooms aiming to maintain decorum, and corporate environments.[16][17]
In schools
While some students, parents and publications have raised concerns about the cost and complexity of Yondr, others have noted its effectiveness in creating phone-free learning environments. [18]
Following the implementation of Yondr pouches, schools such as Corona del Mar Middle School have reported a decline in fighting and other inappropriate behaviors, indicating a positive shift in student conduct.[19] At Schoharie Public Schools, administrators reported increased student engagement in conversations, more in-person conflict resolution, and higher elective enrollment following the implementation of phone-free school days. Some parents also noted changes in screen time management at home.[20]
In 2023 the US government spent $2.13 million on Yondr.[21] At the same time, some students who have Yondr implemented in their schools said they notice the benefits and support the use of Yondr in their school.[22] Schools have also reported increased academic performance, attention, and a decrease in fights and bullying.[18]
At concerts and shows
In 2019, the use of Yondr cases was reported in comedy and theater.[23] They have been utilized at concerts,[24] as well as during performances by comedians who aim to prevent their material from being leaked on YouTube and to keep their audiences focused, free from distractions.[11]
Yondr has been used in some courtrooms to prevent distractions from phones during trials and proceedings. Courts have implemented the system to maintain order and focus.[26][27] In 2017, the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania began using Yondr pouches at the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice in Philadelphia.[28] In 2024, the Municipal Court of Kansas City, Kansas implemented Yondr pouches to enhance courtroom decorum and reduce distractions.[29][30] On January 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia began requiring visitors to secure phones and smartwatches in Yondr pouches while in courthouses.[31]
Purpose & impact
Yondr phone-free spaces have received mixed reviews from users.[32][33] Critics argue that phone-free solutions could be achieved through simpler, less expensive methods,[34] especially when considering limited school budgets and other improvements to the learning environment that need funding.[35] Furthermore, the effectiveness of Yondr pouches heavily depends on user compliance.[35]
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