On Thursday, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveiled a statewide initiative to create phone-free schools. Yondr, a leader in establishing phone-free environments, will play a key role in this initiative. The program will cover 180 school districts—75% of the state’s schools—providing Yondr’s comprehensive services and equipment to support the implementation of full-day, phone-free learning environments.
“I recently had the opportunity to speak with the CEO of Yondr, who is here with us today. Yondr creates pouches that allow students to keep their phones with them but prevent use during the day. One key point he made, which I believe is crucial for everyone involved in this program—including teachers and parents—is that this initiative isn’t about taking anything away. It’s about giving students the freedom to benefit from a phone-free education. This is a vital message we need to convey to our young people,” said Governor of Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders today.
Yondr pairs its patented magnetically-sealed pouches with extensive training, program infrastructure, and ongoing support tailored to each school’s unique environment. The Yondr Program enables students to retain possession of their phones while transforming school days into opportunities for social, emotional, and academic growth.
Several schools in the state already utilize the Yondr program, reporting increased engagement, higher teacher retention, and improved mental health outcomes for both students and staff. These results align with Yondr’s mission to foster more meaningful connections and enhance engagement both in and out of the classroom.
