Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) is excited to share a new initiative implemented this fall to further support student well-being and academic focus by creating a more phone-free environment. Building on our existing schoolwide phone-free policy, which required students to keep their devices powered off and stored in backpacks, students in grades 6-12 now store their cell phones and smartwatches in school-issued Yondr Pouches. For our Lower School students, we request that they not bring cell phones or smartwatches to school. Any devices brought to school must remain powered off and stored in backpacks throughout the day, supporting a play-based childhood experience.

The Yondr pouches are used by over 1 million students worldwide in 21 countries, according to overyondr.com. At GAC, cell phones and smartwatches are stored in the pouches at the beginning of the school day, and pouches are unlocked as students leave their final class at the end of the day. The pouch initiative aims to reduce distractions, promote genuine social interaction, improve student mental health, and enhance learning experiences. 

Positive Impact on Student Development

“Research continues to mount about the addictive nature of smartphones and social media. We recognize that even the best, most well-enforced rule is inadequate to meet the challenge these technologies pose to our students’ well-being and educational experiences. That’s why we believe the Yondr Pouches will serve as a tool for our students," Dr. Scott Harsh, President, said.

"Our teachers have asked for a resource to focus on teaching and building relationships with students, not monitoring phone use. The research is compelling, the addiction is real, and our students need our help."

Since the implementation of phone pouches at GAC, there has been a noticeable increase in lunch conversations and more vibrant hallway interactions. Teachers and students have shared their first-hand feedback with us. 

"Providing students a way to say no to the pull of their phones is a gift. It allows them to give more attention to school and friends. It is also a gift to us as teachers, removing one distraction. We pray that students are present and intentional, forming good connections with peers, the class material, and the wonder and beauty around them. The phone pouches help us achieve those goals," Megan Wilson, GAC High School teacher, said.

"It's a big difference from last year. I think it's better without phones. You can focus more in class and build stronger connections with your friends. Also, if you see something posted, like a story about someone hanging out, you might feel like, 'Oh, I missed out,' and feel bad. But you don't see those things without the phone, so you can focus more," shared Vanna, a 10th-grade student at GAC.

"When we're in school without our phones, we communicate more. We find more things to talk about and are more interactive," Tyler, a 10th-grader, told us. 

GAC's decision to implement phone pouches follows discussions with other leading Christian schools that have adopted similar strategies. At GAC, we remain committed to nurturing well-rounded, resilient students. We provide several opportunities for our faculty and parents to partner with us in this effort, including a parent book study this fall on The Anxious Generation and guest speakers such as Titania Jordan, Chief Parent Officer from Bark Technologies, sharing tips and tools for keeping kids safe online.