Why a Phone-Free School Environment?
Studies show that smartphones and social media are distracting kids from learning, eroding their mental health, and stifling in-person social connection. School Districts across the nation are implementing phone-free school days as a way to optimize student engagement and enhance school safety.
Students and families deserve a phone-free, distraction-free environment.
-Minimize distractions
-Enhanced student focus and engagement
-Improved safety and security
-Maximize learning potential
The vast majority of social problems, disagreements between students, distractions from learning, and disruptions that take students away from academics begin, are amplified by, or continue through social media platforms or cell phone communication.
12-14 year-olds do not have the maturity and forethought to handle the reach, scope, and power of these devices.
Young children have big feelings, and they’re feeling them for the first time. Handing them access to share these feelings with the world, in writing, without guardrails is not fair to them.
Students and families deserve privacy, and children at the middle school age don’t always think before they take a picture or record video of their peers. Most of us would agree that school is not a place where kids and adults should. Be recorded without their consent; it’s also a violation of the code of conduct
Last, schools have no control over the content kids view on their personal devices. They can consume nearly anything.
Why is Ernie Davis Academy introducing Yondr pouches?
Ernie Davis Academy is seeking to limit distractions in the building and improve overall student engagement, mental health, and well-being. We have provided the opportunity for families to ask questions and give input throughout the 2023-2024 school year during our Parent RoundTable events in the Fall and Spring. During these events, families have asked excellent questions – whose answers are included in this FAQ – and been supportive of the phone-free school initiative.
Please call Ernie Davis Academy at (607) 735-3100 to set up a time to talk with Mr. Werfelman, our Principal, to ask further questions. You can also visit
overyondr.com for more information about the pouches.