Brookings High School Newsletter
August 15th, 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Beginning in the fall of 2025, Brookings High School will implement a bell-to-bell device-free policy, with the exception of lunch, using the Yondr pouch system. The change is designed to reduce distractions, promote focus, strengthen peer connections, and support student well-being. This policy applies to cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices.
Our decision is grounded in local community feedback, extensive national research, and proven results from schools worldwide.
What Our BHS Community Told Us – Spring Semester 2025 Survey Results
From Parents:
94% believe cell phone/smartwatch use distracts from learning.
74% are “concerned” or “very concerned” about social and emotional development being negatively affected by excessive device use.
73% are “concerned” or “very concerned” about negative student interactions via messaging or social media.
76% are “concerned” or “very concerned” about the impact on academic success.
87% support device use during lunch.
From Staff:
100% agree devices distract from learning.
Most teachers remind students of phone rules one to four times each class period.
70% report increased academic dishonesty linked to phone use.
From Students:
Distractions and addiction concerns: Many students said phones are a major source of distraction, especially with social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat. They also believe phone addiction is a real issue, describing it as constant checking, sneaky use during class, playing games, and difficulty putting the device away when asked.
Challenges without phones: The most common difficulties were the fear of missing out on important updates or family emergencies, anxiety from receiving notifications they could not check, boredom after completing classwork, and not having access to certain tools.
Benefits without phones: Many students reported feeling less distracted and more focused when phones were out of reach. Some said the change did not affect them much because they already had good device habits.
Why This Change Is Needed
Improving Academic Performance
A 2020 Journal of Educational Psychology study found that frequent in-class phone use is linked to lower academic performance.
A 2022 article in Education and Information Technologies confirmed that multitasking with devices reduces information retention and understanding.
Enhancing Mental Health
Research in Behavioral Sciences (2023) shows excessive phone use contributes to higher anxiety and stress.
A 2022 Clinical Psychological Science study linked in-class phone use to greater risks of social isolation and depression.
The Anxious Generation (Haidt, 2024) links smartphones and social media to rising anxiety, depression, and social disconnection in teens, calling for phone-free schools to help rebuild attention and resilience.
Creating a Better Classroom Environment
A Journal of Computers in Education (2020) review found that phones increase cheating incidents and reduce participation in class discussions.
Education Science (2024) reported that clear cell phone policies promote face-to-face interaction and a more focused environment.
Supporting Effective Teaching
Education Science (2024) also found that teachers feel more empowered and effective when phone use is restricted, enabling them to focus on instruction rather than device management.
Yondr Data
Yondr’s Results (10+ years, 35+ countries):
86% report improved safety and student wellness.
84% report increased engagement.
68% report academic gains.
44% report fewer behavioral referrals.
How Pouches Work at BHS
Morning Arrival: When students arrive to their first class, they place devices on airplane mode, put them in their assigned Yondr pouch, and lock it.
Morning Classes: Pouches remain locked in backpacks or lockers.
Lunch: Students unlock pouches at designated stations when they leave the building for lunch or when they enter the lunchroom.
Afternoon Classes: Devices are re-locked before returning to class.
End of Day: Devices are unlocked at dismissal.
Pouch Responsibility: Students bring their pouch daily. Lost or damaged pouches cost $30 to replace. If a student forgets their pouch, devices will be held in the office for the day.
Consequences for Violations
1st Offense
The phone is brought to the office. The student may retrieve it after school. A detention is assigned.
2nd Offense
The phone is brought to the office. The student serves ISS.
3rd Offense
The phone is sent to the office. The parent/guardian must pick it up. The student serves ISS.
4th+ Offense
The student may lose the privilege to possess a phone during the school day. Additional disciplinary action determined by administration.
Staying Connected
In emergencies, we will follow our standard safety protocols. Parents can call the main office at 605-696-4100 to reach their student.
Parents and guardians are an integral part of their student’s education. Your support is necessary to ensure student success. By implementing Yondr pouches at Brookings High School, we are answering our community’s concerns, aligning with best practices, and creating a school culture where students are more engaged, more connected, and better prepared to succeed.
Thank you for partnering with us to make this change a positive step forward for all Brookings High School students.
Zach Thomas
Principal, Brookings High School