Phone Free Schools

Phone-Free Schools with Yondr

Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, New Jersey requires all public school districts to limit students' nonacademic use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices during the school day. Trenton Public Schools implemented the Yondr program during the 2025-26 school year and will continue using Yondr pouches in all grades 4-12 schools in alignment with the new state law.

Personal devices are an important part of daily life, but during the school day they can create distractions, interrupt learning and limit meaningful face-to-face interactions. By creating phone-free learning environments, we are helping students stay focused, actively participate in class, strengthen relationships with their peers and teachers, and make the most of every instructional minute.

Our goal is simple: to create safe, focused and engaging classrooms where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.

Learning first. Phones later. Every student. Every classroom. Every day.

Why Phone-Free Schools?

Personal devices are an important part of everyday life, but they can also interrupt learning, reduce engagement and limit face-to-face interactions during the school day.

A phone-free learning environment helps students:

  • Stay focused during instruction
  • Participate more actively in class
  • Build stronger relationships with classmates and teachers
  • Reduce distractions
  • Make the most of every instructional minute

What Is Yondr?

Yondr is a secure pouch that allows students to keep their phones with them throughout the school day while preventing access until dismissal.

Students maintain possession of their devices at all times.

Bell-to-Bell Expectations

  • Arrival: Students place their phones in a Yondr pouch upon arriving at school.
  • During the School Day: Phones remain secured while students focus on instruction, collaboration and learning.
  • Dismissal: Students unlock their Yondr pouches before leaving school.

What Stays the Same?

✔ Students keep their phones with them throughout the school day.
✔ Families can always contact students through the school's main office.
✔ Students can contact home if needed.
✔ Student safety remains our top priority.

How Yondr Works

  • Upon Arrival: Students will place their cellphone (and other personal devices such as AirPods or smartwatches) into their individual Yondr pouch. The pouch locks and remains closed for the school day.
  • During the Day: Students keep their locked pouch with them. Devices are not accessible until dismissal.
  • At dismissal: Pouches are unlocked at designated stations, and students regain full access to their devices.

This process is quick, simple, and supervised by staff as part of the daily routine. 

What Families Need to Know

  • Student responsibility: Each student will be issued their own Yondr pouch and is expected to bring it to school each day.
  • Lost or damaged pouches: Schools will provide information on replacement procedures and any related costs.
  • Emergencies: If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact your school’s main office. Standard school safety procedures remain in place.
  • After school: Students regain full access to their devices once the pouch is unlocked at dismissal.
  • Why?: 
    • Increased student focus and participation in class
    • Fewer distractions and reduced social media conflicts
    • Improved safety and overall school climate
    • Stronger student-to-student and student-to-teacher connections
    • By removing cellphone distractions, we are creating a healthier and more productive school environment.

Your child’s school will share additional, school-specific details directly with families.