Leading Mayo secondary school leads way with policy to curb smartphone distractions

by Caoimhín Rowland

In a bid to foster a more focused and interactive learning environment, St. Joseph's Secondary School in Castlebar has implemented an innovative Yondr pouch policy aimed at reducing smartphone distractions.

Spearheaded by principal Peadar O’Tuathail, this policy, introduced in consultation with various stakeholders, has already begun to yield promising results after just two weeks in place.

This forward-thinking initiative draws inspiration from cutting-edge research conducted by Trinity College Dublin and schools in the east of the country which have led the way in tackling teenagers' unhealthy relationships with their smartphones.

“Some of our parents are still getting used to it,” senior cycle students Isabel, Emilija and Elizabeth told me. "Sometimes we take our phones out at the end of the day to a flurry of missed calls and texts,” they laugh.

Under the Yondr pouch policy, students are required to deposit their mobile phones and personal smart devices, including watches, into Yondr pouches upon entering the school premises.

These pouches are securely sealed, rendering the devices inaccessible throughout the school day. The primary goal is to create an environment where students can focus on their studies without the constant distractions of buzzing notifications and the latest happenings on social media.

While personal devices are restricted, the school continues to provide technology resources for educational purposes, including iPads and Chromebooks. These devices are strictly designated for academic use, particularly in subjects like art and technical studies.

The policy has brought about unexpected challenges, such as students struggling to tell time without their phones.

To address this issue, the school's caretaker has been diligently ensuring that classroom clocks are up to spec. Additionally, students with watches have become popular among their peers for assisting with time management.

The broader parent community has rallied behind the initiative, recognising its positive impact on students' mental health.

The policy alleviates the pressure to conform to certain behaviours or appearances, as students no longer fear their actions being recorded or shared on social media platforms.

Another positive outcome has been the return of conversations on the corridor which has been noticed by both students and teachers alike.

Principal O’Tuathail expressed his gratitude for the support received and highlighted the role of senior students as role models for their younger peers.

He noted that senior students have embraced this new approach exceptionally well.

The Yondr pouches work on a high-trust model that epitomises the school's confidence in its students.

The magnetised bases for unlocking the pouches are strategically located on the interior walls of the school, further underscoring the trust placed in the student body.

The decision to implement this policy is grounded in research, particularly led by Trinity College professor Giampiero Tarantino, who has studied the impacts of smartphones on teenagers.

This research data has guided St. Joseph's Secondary School in its efforts to create an environment free from external distractions. O'Tuathail is keen for the school to be a leader in this regard, as St. Joseph's Secondary School ranks as the best performing girls’ school in Connaught.

Beyond the benefits for students, the policy has also lightened the load for teachers who are no longer tasked with being the 'phone police'. With students' devices securely stowed away, educators can now fully focus on their primary role, teaching.