Phone-Free Schools: The National Shift in State Cellphone Policies
As concerns around student focus, mental health, and school safety grow, a national movement toward phone-free classrooms is gaining momentum. In this new blog series, Yondr tracks the latest state legislation, highlights early school results, and shares how districts are implementing bell-to-bell phone policies—with real impact. Explore where your state stands and what it means for the future of learning.
Yondr Welcomes Former Schools Minister Sir Nick Gibb as Strategic Adviser
We're proud to announce that Sir Nick Gibb, one of the most influential education policymakers of the past two decades, has joined Yondr as a Strategic Adviser.
As Schools Minister under four Prime Ministers, Sir Nick helped shape modern UK education. His legacy includes the Phonics Screening Check, Multiplication Tables Check, and comprehensive reforms to the national curriculum, GCSEs, and A levels. Under his leadership, England climbed the global education rankings — rising to 4th in the PIRLS reading study and improving its standing in PISA mathematics from 17th to 11th.
The History of Phones in Schools: How We Got Here and Where We’re Going
Former superintendent Dr. Peter Stiepleman outlines the shift from outright bans to structured phone-free environments—and why today’s school leaders must act to protect focus and well-being.
Doomscrolling: Breaking the Cycle
In today’s digital world, people of all ages find themselves endlessly scrolling through negative news and distressing content. But why are teenagers particularly vulnerable to doomscrolling, and what can be done to help them break free?
To better understand the impact of doomscrolling on teens, let’s take a closer look at what it is, why it happens, and how it affects their well-being.
Key Themes from AASA 2025
The AASA National Conference on Education 2025 brought together visionary leaders to shape the future of education. From groundbreaking innovations to transformative strategies, here are five key themes that stood out.
Los Angeles Times: A Month into LAUSD’s Policy, Students Discuss Yondr
After just one month of implementing LAUSD’s cellphone policy, educators are reporting significant positive changes in classroom engagement and campus climate.
Phone-Free Policies Improve Focus, Safety, and Academic Success
Phone Ban vs. Phone-Free: What’s the difference? Not all school phone policies are effective; some are too vague or difficult to enforce, making a clear, consistent policy—and program—essential.
Put Your Phone Away: Yondr CEO Talks to Kara Swisher
The most connected experiences often start by putting your phone away. At Yondr, we're redefining how we interact with technology to create more meaningful, present moments. Our CEO, Graham Dugoni, recently joined Kara Swisher on her podcast, On with Kara Swisher, to share the story behind our mission, its impact on schools and events, and the more profound philosophy of phone-free spaces.
YONDR Named to TIME’s List of the Best Inventions of 2024
We are incredibly proud to announce that Yondr has been named to TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024 list! The list includes 200 groundbreaking inventions that are changing the ways we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible.
Banksy’s “Cut & Run” Exhibit Goes Phone‑Free with Yondr in Glasgow
Banksy’s record-breaking Glasgow exhibit went completely phone-free—with help from Yondr. The result? A powerful, immersive experience that brought visitors closer to the art—and each other.
Surgeon General Issues New Advisory About Effects of Social Media on Youth Mental Health
Nation’s top health official sets the stage for Yondr to help solve teen mental health crisis