North Texas school district raise eyebrows with new policy

GRAND PRAIRIE (KDAF) — School districts across North Texas are tightening the reins on cell phone use in classrooms. However, Grand Prairie ISD is taking it a step further.

This year, every student at Grand Prairie and South Grand Prairie high schools will receive a Yondr pouch, a device that locks their phones inside, to minimize distractions. The district’s decision follows a survey showing over 90% of GPISD staff support the initiative, inspired by its success in Richardson ISD. Dallas ISD is also set to pilot the pouches at three of its campuses this school year.

While some parents have expressed concerns about safety and communication during emergencies, the district assures there are systems in place to reach students if needed, like calling or visiting the office. If it is an emergency, the administrator can allow the student access to their phone.

With the new policy, GPISD claims they aim toward creating a learning environment free from distractions. Only time will tell if this approach will become a standard practice in more schools across North Texas.

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