Our school is now a phone-free space through the introduction of the Yondr system. This allows for improved teaching and learning opportunities in all areas of our school.
The decision to adopt the Yondr Program was made in consultation with the BHS Parents and Citizens Association.
The introduction of Yondr has been in response to the effect mobile phones have on our school environment, including:
* Negative effect on student wellbeing for both intentional and unintentional misuse of phones
* Ongoing interruptions to teaching and learning
Yondr has been implemented in over 1000 schools across 21 countries to facilitate an engaged learning environment, and the use of this system is increasing in usage in schools throughout Australia.
Yondr recently surveyed over 900 school partners to measure the effects of creating phone-free education environments. These schools achieved notable progress in multiple areas, including:
* 65% of schools saw an improvement in academic performance
*74% of schools saw an improvement in student behaviour
*83% of schools saw an improvement in student engagement in the classroom.
We also found that learning and social behaviours improved significantly when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates.
The Yondr Program utilises a simple, secure pouch that stores the phone. Every student secures their phone in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. Students will maintain possession of their phones and will not use them until their phones are opened at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.
It is expected that phones will remain in pouches during sport and will be unlocked when students return to school.
Using a mobile phone to pay for purchases at the canteen is no longer an option with students who use Eftpos needing to use a card for payment.
Alternate pouches are available for students requiring medical exemptions.
For all enquiries regarding the Yondr program please do not hesitate to contact the school on phone 49450600. In an effort to best serve our students, we appreciate the full support from our parents and school community.
Yondr - Student Guidelines - Summary