Schools Implement Phone Locking Policies to Curb Distractions

Schools across the U.S. and Northern Ireland are increasingly implementing policies to restrict cell phone use during school hours, citing concerns over distractions and mental health. In Georgia, students at a school are required to place their phones in magnetic pouches, allowing them to focus on safety protocols during emergencies, according to Headmaster Dr. Randy Watts. Minnesota schools are adopting varied policies, with some requiring phones to be locked away entirely in pouches, while others mandate phones be turned off and put away. In Northern Ireland, Education Minister Paul Givan announced a £250,000 pilot scheme to trial magnetic pouches in ten schools, aiming to enhance student engagement and learning. The push for such measures reflects a growing recognition of the negative impacts of phone usage in educational settings. Companies like Yondr are at the forefront of providing these lockable pouches, which are becoming a standard tool in schools worldwide.