Yondr

{{Infobox company

| name = Yondr

| logo = Yondr logo.png

| type =

| founders = Graham DugoniStatt, Nick (4 November 2014). "[https://www.cnet.com/news/phone-crazed-audiences-and-fed-up-musicians-yondr-is-on-the-case/ Phone-crazed audiences and fed-up musicians? Yondr is on the case] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031133142/https://www.cnet.com/news/phone-crazed-audiences-and-fed-up-musicians-yondr-is-on-the-case/ |date=2018-10-31 }}". CNET. Accessed 30 May 2022.

| foundation = {{start date and age|2014}}

| location_city = Los Angeles, California

| location_country = United States

| area_served =

| key_people =

| industry =

| products = Yondr Pouch

| parent =

| subsid =

| homepage = {{URL|www.overyondr.com}}

}}

Yondr is an American company that specializes in creating phone-free environments using its main product, the Yondr Pouch."[https://www.edsurge.com/product-reviews/yondr-pouch Yondr Pouch by Yondr (Focally, LLC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105145436/https://www.edsurge.com/product-reviews/yondr-pouch|date=2019-01-05}}". EdSurge. Accessed 25 January 2018. The pouch allows individuals to keep their phones with them while preventing use in designated phone-free spaces, such as schools, courthouses, and live event venues.Smith, Tovia (11 January 2018). "[https://www.npr.org/2018/01/11/577101803/a-schools-way-to-fight-phones-in-class-lock-em-up A School's Way To Fight Phones In Class: Lock 'Em Up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117022709/https://www.npr.org/2018/01/11/577101803/a-schools-way-to-fight-phones-in-class-lock-em-up|date=2019-01-17}}". All Things Considered. Accessed 30 May 2022.{{cite news |last1=Slater |first1=Joanna |date=2024-05-01 |title=How a Connecticut middle school won the battle against cellphones |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/05/01/school-cellphones-confiscate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502142145/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/05/01/school-cellphones-confiscate/ |archive-date=2024-05-02 |access-date=2024-05-02 |newspaper=Washington Post}}Russon, Mary-Ann (4 December 2015). "[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/dave-chappelle-using-smartphone-locking-case-stop-audiences-leaking-stand-routines-online-1531836 Dave Chappelle using smartphone-locking case to stop audiences leaking stand-up routines online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106010458/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/dave-chappelle-using-smartphone-locking-case-stop-audiences-leaking-stand-routines-online-1531836|date=2019-01-06}}". International Business Times. Accessed 25 January 2018. Founded in 2014 by Graham Dugoni, the company has expanded its services to 27 countries, with offices in London and Dublin.{{cite patent|country=US|number=9819788|title=System and apparatus for selectively limiting user control of an electronic device|status=patent|gdate=2017-11-14|invent1=Graham Dugoni}}Megan Geuss (12 October 2014). "[https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/10/i-let-yondr-lock-my-smartphone-in-a-sock-so-i-could-live-in-the-moment/ I let Yondr lock my smartphone in a sock so I could “live in the moment”] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231143703/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/10/i-let-yondr-lock-my-smartphone-in-a-sock-so-i-could-live-in-the-moment/|date=2018-12-31}}". Ars Technica. Accessed 25 January 2018.{{cite news |last=Edgers |first=Geoff |date=16 June 2016 |title=Alicia Keys is done playing nice. Your phone is getting locked up at her shows now. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/alicia-keys-is-done-playing-nice-your-phone-is-getting-locked-up-at-her-shows-now/2016/06/16/366c15aa-33af-11e6-95c0-2a6873031302_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106191635/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/alicia-keys-is-done-playing-nice-your-phone-is-getting-locked-up-at-her-shows-now/2016/06/16/366c15aa-33af-11e6-95c0-2a6873031302_story.html |archive-date=6 January 2019 |access-date=25 January 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

Yondr's pouches are generally used to reduce distractions in schools and workplaces and to prevent unauthorized photography or recordings at performances and private events. The company has also launched the Yondr Program, which includes its phone-free pouch system and event design solutions.

In 2023, the company launched its own outdoor music festival in Greenville, New York.{{Cite web |url=https://musictech.com/news/events/yondr-announces-phone-free-festival-in-ny-for-second-year-in-a-row-over-yondr/ |title=Yondr announces the second edition of its phone-free festival in New York |access-date=2024-10-13 |archive-date=2024-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225050221/https://musictech.com/news/events/yondr-announces-phone-free-festival-in-ny-for-second-year-in-a-row-over-yondr/ |url-status=live }}

Background

The concept for Yondr began in 2012 with founder and former professional soccer player, Graham Dugoni.{{Cite web |title=Transformative Principal {{!}} Creating Phone Free Spaces with Graham Dugoni Transformative Principal 608 |url=https://transformativeprincipal.org/s13/608 |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=Transformative Principal |language=en}} Dugoni leaned on his interest in sociology, phenomenology, and the philosophy of technology and began experimenting with several options for the design of the Yondr pouch.{{cite magazine |last1=Gregory |first1=Alice |title=This Startup Wants to Neutralize Your Phone—and Un-change the World |date=2018-01-16 |magazine=Wired |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612150738/https://www.wired.com/story/free-speech-issue-yondr-smartphones/ |archive-date=2023-06-12 |url=https://www.wired.com/story/free-speech-issue-yondr-smartphones/ |access-date=2022-05-30 |url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/yondr-graham-dugoni-profile-11583842460 | title=Phone Locks in a Time of Cancel Culture | newspaper=Wall Street Journal | date=10 March 2020 | last1=Le | first1=Anh-Minh }}

Implementation of Yondr products

File:Yondr pouch.png

Since its launch, Yondr has expanded to thousands of schools in 27 countries, with most of its business coming from educational institutions addressing concerns about cellphone use in classrooms.{{Cite web |last=Stokel-Walker |first=Chris |date=2024-10-30 |title=Yondr Pouch: the 200 Best Inventions of 2024 |url=https://time.com/7094783/yondr-pouch/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=TIME |language=en}}

While initially focused on education, Yondr has expanded into various industries, including entertainment venues where artists seek to create distraction-free experiences, courtrooms aiming to maintain decorum, and corporate environments that value productivity and engagement.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-20 |title=More California schools are banning smartphones, but kids keep bringing them |url=https://apnews.com/us-news/schools-mobile-phones-san-mateo-general-news-bd1ca61b48fbf42dbc99531466793bc8 |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Mion |first=Landon |date=2024-08-04 |title=Virginia school district launches pilot no cellphone policy using magnetic pouch that blocks signal |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/virginia-school-district-launches-pilot-no-cellphone-policy-using-magnetic-pouch-blocks-signal |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}

Yondr creates phone-free environments designed to limit distractions during learning.{{Cite news |last=Langreo |first=Lauraine |date=2023-10-16 |title=Cellphone Bans Can Ease Students' Stress and Anxiety, Educators Say |url=https://www.edweek.org/leadership/cellphone-bans-can-ease-students-stress-and-anxiety-educators-say/2023/10#:~:text=Educators%20have%20found%20creative%20ways,their%20way%20out%20the%20door. |access-date=2025-05-09 |work=Education Week |language=en |issn=0277-4232}}

= In schools =

While some students, parents and publications have raised concerns about the cost and complexity of Yondr, others have noted its effectiveness in creating phone-free learning environments. {{cite news | url=https://time.com/6959626/yondr-schools-cell-phones/ | title=Cell Phone Pouches Promise to Improve Focus at School. Kids Aren't Convinced | newspaper=TIME | date=2024-03-24 | last1=Chow | first1=Andrew | archive-date=2024-05-05 | access-date=2024-05-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505204530/https://time.com/6959626/yondr-schools-cell-phones/ | url-status=live }}

Following the implementation of Yondr pouches, schools such as Corona del Mar Middle School have reported a decline in fighting and other inappropriate behaviors, indicating a positive shift in student conduct.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-24 |title=A magnetic pouch is key to enforcing school cellphone bans. Kids are getting around it |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-24/yondr-pouches-enforce-school-cell-phone-bans |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} At Schoharie Public Schools, administrators reported increased student engagement in conversations, more in-person conflict resolution, and higher elective enrollment following the implementation of phone-free school days. Some parents also noted changes in screen time management at home.{{Cite news |last=Bellafante |first=Ginia |date=2025-03-21 |title=Who’s Against Banning Cellphones in Schools? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/nyregion/school-cell-phone-ban-nyc.html?unlocked_article_code=1.5k4.vKqI.ZYIGpvkaS4X7&smid=url-share |access-date=2025-05-16 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

In 2023 the US government spent $2.13 million on Yondr.{{cite news | url=https://news.yahoo.com/exclusive-sales-skyrocket-phone-pouch-130100251.html | title=Exclusive: Sales Skyrocket for Phone Pouch Company as In-School Bans Spread | newspaper=Yahoo News | date=2023-12-13 | last1=Jacobson | first1=Linda | archive-date=2023-12-31 | access-date=2024-05-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231180633/https://news.yahoo.com/exclusive-sales-skyrocket-phone-pouch-130100251.html | url-status=live }} At the same time, some students who have Yondr implemented in their schools said they notice the benefits and support the use of Yondr in their school.{{cite news | url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/smartphone-lock-pouch-leaves-students-to-their-own-unusable-devices/ | title=Smartphone Lock Pouch Leaves Students to Their Own (Unusable) Devices | newspaper=Scientific American | date=2015-05-08 | last1=Greenemeier | first1=Larry | archive-date=2019-01-05 | access-date=2018-01-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105145336/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/smartphone-lock-pouch-leaves-students-to-their-own-unusable-devices/ | url-status=live }} Schools have also reported increased academic performance, attention, and a decrease in fights and bullying.

= At concerts and shows =

In 2019, the use of Yondr cases was reported in comedy and theater.{{Cite news |last=Salam |first=Maya |date=November 2, 2019 |title=Louis C.K., Back on Tour, Looks to Accelerate His Comeback |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/02/arts/louis-ck-tour-rules.html |work=The New York Times |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |access-date=October 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404080337/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/02/arts/louis-ck-tour-rules.html |url-status=live }} They have been utilized at concerts,{{Cite web |title=Damon Albarn disagrees with Bob Dylan over mobile phone gig ban |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw9yw1z7dw8o |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=www.bbc.com |date=19 July 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=2024-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003164100/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw9yw1z7dw8o |url-status=live }} as well as during performances by comedians who aim to prevent their material from being leaked on YouTube and to keep their audiences focused, free from distractions.{{Cite magazine |last=Gregory |first=Alice |title=This Startup Wants to Neutralize Your Phone—and Un-change the World |url=https://www.wired.com/story/free-speech-issue-yondr-smartphones/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028 |archive-date=2023-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612150738/https://www.wired.com/story/free-speech-issue-yondr-smartphones/ |url-status=live }}

= In courtrooms =

Yondr has been used in some courtrooms to prevent distractions from phones during trials and proceedings. Courts have implemented the system to maintain order and focus.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-26 |title=Schools in 41 states have spent millions on pouches to lock up kids' phones |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/gadgets/yondr-phone-pouch-lock-school-rcna128247 |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Yondr - helping to live phone-free |url=https://www.wordonthestreets.net/Articles/515836/Yondr_helping_to.aspx |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=www.wordonthestreets.net |language=en}} In 2017, the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania began using Yondr pouches at the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice in Philadelphia.{{Cite web |title=FJD Partners with Yondr™ to Implement New Cellphone and Audio Device Restrictions at Stout Criminal Justice Center |url=https://philadelphiabar.org/?pg=News&blAction=showEntry&blogEntry=72244 |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=philadelphiabar.org |language=en}} In 2024, the Municipal Court of Kansas City, Kansas implemented Yondr pouches to enhance courtroom decorum and reduce distractions.{{Cite web |title=Court Process |url=https://www.wycokck.org/Government/Courts/Municipal-Court/Court-Process |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=www.wycokck.org |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=February 29, 2024 |title=Court Announcement |url=https://www.wycokck.org/files/assets/public/v/1/municipal-court/documents/court-announcement-yondr-pouch.pdf |website=Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas}} On January 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia began requiring visitors to secure phones and smartwatches in Yondr pouches while in courthouses.{{Cite web |title=The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia announces major changes to the Personal Electronic Devices Policy, Effective 1/6/2025 {{!}} Eastern District of Virginia {{!}} United States District Court |url=https://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/news/united-states-district-court-eastern-district-virginia-announces-major-changes-personal |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=www.vaed.uscourts.gov}}