Yondr Pouches, a Solution to School Phone Bans, Are No Match for Teens

NYT Homepage

by Madison Malone Kircher and Callie Holtermann

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In recent years, schools have increasingly turned to Yondr pouches as a solution to combat手机 usage among students. These pouches are designed to block mobile signals, aiming to keep kids device-free during school hours. However, despite their popularity, educators and administrators are discovering that Yondr pouches are no match for determined teenagers. Many students have found creative workarounds, rendering the devices ineffective. This has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges of managing screen time in schools and the need for more comprehensive strategies. Yondr pouches operate by blocking cellular signals, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth on smartphones, effectively creating a "digital detox" environment. While some schools have reported success with these pouches, others have found them insufficient due to students exploiting loopholes like using alternative devices or bypassing signal-blocking features. This highlights the ongoing struggle schools face in balancing technology use with academic focus. The ineffectiveness of Yondr pouches underscores a deeper issue: the complexity of managing screen time in an increasingly connected world. While these tools may offer a temporary solution, they fail to address the root causes of excessive device use, such as social pressure and lack of communication about healthy tech habits. This situation is particularly relevant for educators and parents seeking effective strategies to guide teen behavior. Ultimately, the limitations of Yondr pouches highlight the need for more holistic approaches to managing technology in schools. Solutions must consider both the technical aspects of blocking devices and the psychological factors influencing student behavior. As schools continue to grapple with this challenge, innovative and adaptive strategies will be essential to fostering a balanced tech environment that supports learning while respecting students' needs.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026