Monongalia County students receive YONDR pouches as part of ‘smartphone-free’ policy

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — After passing its new “smartphone-free” policy last month, Tuesday marked the first day that Monongalia County students will be required to lock their phones in special pouches for the duration of the school day.

Students in grades 6-12 received their YONDR pouches on Tuesday and will be required to place their phones inside of them from the start of the school day to the end of it. The pouches can be kept within the students’ possession throughout the day and can be unlocked at a special unlocking base available at the end of the school day, or anytime by a teacher or administrator who deems it necessary.

Officials with Monongalia County Schools believe that this policy will “minimize distractions and provide the best learning environment for our students.” While pouches were only distributed to middle and high school students, the device-free policy applies to all grade levels.

Dr. Eddie Campbell, the Monongalia County Schools Superintendent Dr. Eddie Campbell said that he believes students have been receptive to the procedure so far.

“I think students are recognizing the value of not being distracted during school and are appreciative of the fact that it’s not easy for them to do that, because they’re so accustomed to using it. But with these procedures in place now, it will assist them in doing the things that they need to do,” Campbell said. “We’ve had one or two students, who of course don’t like the idea, and they’ve expressed that in a very thoughtful and really a very professional manner.”

Campbell said that similarly, teachers have been supportive of implementing this new procedure, and said that they “recognize and really share with us the difficulties that they see in the classroom when students are distracted by their cell phones.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.