Why Yondr Pouches Should Be Banned in Schools
I want to start this post by warning you: it’s going to be a lengthy rant. If you’re short on time, feel free to jump to the TL;DR at the end.
During my school years, my experience with cell phones was uneventful. I kept mine out of sight during class, using it mainly to communicate with family or jot down thoughts once I finished my assignments. However, I witnessed many peers who appeared to be addicted to their phones. While most of them managed to pass their classes, there were certainly some who struggled academically due to their phone habits. Given my neutral stance on phone usage in class, you might not expect my strong opposition to Yondr Pouches. But my concerns revolve around safety and personal freedoms.
Unfortunately, schools in America face serious safety issues, including gun violence, sexual assault, and physical altercations. With Yondr pouches in place, students would be unable to contact their families or guardians in case of an emergency. Let me share a personal example. I was sexually assaulted multiple times by someone from my school. Despite my efforts to obtain a restraining order, I was left in a situation where this individual could easily approach me. During those moments of distress, I would often call my parents to request to leave the school, as being near him triggered panic attacks. If Yondr pouches were implemented, I would have lost that crucial lifeline, forcing me to remain in a hostile environment while reliving my trauma. Given the school’s previous failure to support me, I wouldn’t trust them to protect me in that situation.
My opposition to Yondr pouches also stems from fundamental rights. I firmly believe that students should retain the right to their belongings and the autonomy to use them responsibly. While I understand the necessity of having rules that prevent distractions and managing students who fail to adhere to these guidelines, completely locking away phones feels extreme and unjust. Students should be able to reach out to their families without needing the school’s approval. With Yondr, any contact would require involving school staff, and calls could be monitored. Privacy is a basic right that should extend to educational settings.
Yondr pouches are not a viable solution for addressing disrespectful behavior or mental health challenges. They represent an easy way out for schools while compromising students’ safety and personal freedoms. I recognize that many may disagree with my viewpoint, but I feel strongly about this issue. Even if it doesn’t impact me directly, I worry about those children who might need a way to contact family members, counselors, or guardians outside the school. Their well-being concerns me.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on Yondr pouches in schools. I appreciate your willingness to discuss this important issue, especially given your personal experiences. Your concerns about safety and privacy resonate deeply, and they highlight a critical aspect of the ongoing debate around cell phone usage in educational settings.
You’ve made compelling points about the potential risks associated with restricting students’ access to their phones, especially during emergencies or situations where they may feel unsafe. The ability to contact family or trusted adults is vital for students’ wellbeing. As you rightly pointed out, certain circumstances might prevent them from seeking help directly from school staff, particularly if they feel ignored or unsafe due to a previous experience.
Moreover, your argument regarding personal liberties is significant. Students should have a level of autonomy and the right to maintain private communication. The notion that schools could monitor communications may create an uncomfortable environment and could deter students from seeking help if they feel their concerns might not be treated confidentially.
While schools aim to manage distractions and create effective learning environments, it is crucial that these measures do not come at the cost of students’ safety and rights. Alternative solutions may be worth exploring, such as having designated times for phone usage or providing guidelines on responsible usage without imposing complete restrictions.
Your insights could be valuable in advocating for a more nuanced approach to handling phone usage in schools—one that addresses both the need for focus in learning and the essential need for safety and communication. Thank you for raising these important points!