New Britain Middle Schools Lock Down on Cell Phones with Yondr Pouches 📵
Starting this week, students at Slade and Pulaski middle schools in New Britain will experience something rare in today’s tech-saturated classrooms: a phone-free day. As part of a new initiative, these schools require students to secure their cell phones in Yondr pouches during school hours. The policy aims to foster better focus, reduce distractions, and limit disruptions caused by cell phone use.
Susan Saluru, president of the New Britain Federation of Teachers, is optimistic about the change. “It’s a positive step towards creating an environment where educators can focus on teaching and students can concentrate on learning,” she said.
Why Yondr Pouches?
The Yondr pouches work by allowing students to place their phones inside and seal them. Once locked, the phones can only be accessed at designated unlocking stations. This system prevents students from accessing their phones during the school day, except in emergencies, ensuring uninterrupted learning.
This policy is part of a broader movement among Connecticut schools, following guidelines approved by the state Board of Education last summer. Torrington, Manchester, and Waterbury schools have already implemented similar measures.
The Case for Phone-Free Classrooms 📚
A survey conducted by the Connecticut Education Association revealed that most teachers believe cell phones are disruptive in the classroom. From social media distractions to online bullying, unchecked phone use has created challenges for educators.
“It’s about more than just distractions,” Saluru explained. “Phones contribute to social and emotional challenges, including bullying and fights. Limiting access helps students engage more positively with each other.”
Parents are also voicing support for the policy. New Britain resident Roberta Mazurek said, “I think this is a great idea. Kids need to learn how to interact face-to-face again.” Another parent, Leslie Perreira, added, “We didn’t have phones growing up, and we figured things out just fine on the playground.”
Balancing Safety and Communication
Some parents have raised concerns about not being able to contact their children during emergencies. However, Saluru reassured families, saying, “Our district maintains clear communication protocols, ensuring parents are informed about any incidents.”
A Growing Trend in Connecticut
New Britain’s embrace of Yondr pouches follows in the footsteps of other districts tackling cell phone distractions. As more schools adopt this approach, educators and parents alike are hopeful that it will lead to better academic and social outcomes for students.
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