Seniors Sawyer Del Busso, Marty Tobin, and Vinnie Courtad (left to right) pose in the Commons at one of many unlocking stations around the school.

At the start of the fall 2025 semester, the school administration introduced a major change to student life: all cell phones must now be sealed in Yondr pouches during the school day. The new policy aims to eliminate distractions and encourage students to be more engaged in classes and with one another, a shift that has stirred a wide range of reactions among students.

The policy requires all students to place their phones and smart-watches in magnetic-locking pouches upon arrival in the morning. These pouches stay sealed until the final bell and can only be unlocked at designated stations supervised by staff members.

“This is helpful for students because they will now be actively participating, having more face-to-face interaction, and students now have a more present learning environment,” said Coach Flannery.

A Yondr pouch is a secure, magnet-locked bag into which students place their cell phones and smartwatches at the start of the day. They keep possession of their devices but cannot access them until the pouch is unlocked at the end of the day. Many students were unsure at first if the change would make much difference in their daily routines.

“Initially, there were complaints from everyone,” remarked sophomore Sam Suarez. “However, now there is more talking and listening. It is less annoying not having to be anxious about notifications all the time.”

As the weeks passed, more students began to notice unexpected benefits, especially in their focus and productivity during class.

“I assumed that I would dislike the phone ban,” said Cory Shubler, a senior. “However, I have been able to do my work more quickly and even remember what is taught in class.”

He added that teachers seem “better because there are fewer distractions among students during lesson times. I think they kinda see us looking up more and watching them now that the phones aren’t in our hands.”

Still, not everyone is convinced that the policy is as effective as hoped.

“I don’t think that the Yonder pouches are actually making that big of a difference at all because we are pretty much doing everything that we used to do on our cell phones just on our iPads now, so I don’t think it’s as effective as maybe some of the leaders at the school think it is,” said junior Connor Campbell.

“There are occasions when I would like to use them just for instant research or music,” said Jacob Clark, a senior. “Nevertheless, I understand the school’s reasoning for the ban. It seems like it’s assisting the majority of kids in concentrating.”

Some upperclassmen, however, have found themselves unexpectedly grateful for the change.

“Honestly, I did not realize how much I would be on my phone during the day,” said junior Connor Pulley, “now I am starting to talk to people more. It’s actually a relief at times being away from my phone.”

Socially, many students agree that the difference has been noticeable throughout the halls and lunchrooms.

“People are visibly conversing again during lunch and in the halls,” said senior Rylan Batley. “Before this, no one interacted, and everyone was just glued to their phones. Now it seems like we have joined each other again in the building.”

Adding a touch of humor to the mix, junior Dario Jeras joked, “Now that the cell phones are gone, gambling is at an all-time high at Walsh Jesuit.”

According to a report from BBC News, schools that have adopted similar phone bans have seen “better concentration, less disturbance in classes and more social interactions,” supporting what many students here are beginning to notice.

Teachers and administrators hope that the Yondr policy will continue to improve classroom focus and community spirit.

“Now I have seen how much more focused I am in my classes and also my grades are better than they ever have been,” said Ingrid Sprinzl, summing up what many have experienced since the change.