Yondr Pouches: How do CMMS students feel about them?

On August 26, 2025, students of Costa Mesa Middle School received the Yondr pouches. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District recently approved the purchase and use of Yondr pouches for all middle schools in the district, including Costa Mesa, TeWinkle, Corona del Mar, and Ensign.

The company Yondr has partnered with thousands of schools across 35 countries. Yondr says that 83% of schools saw improvement in students’ engagement in classrooms, 74% in students behavior, and 65% in academic performance. Graham Dugoni, the inventor of Yondr, created these lockable pouches to restrict and protect technology. They don’t only sell the Yondr pouches, they also sell the Yondr home tray, which is a lockable box designed to help parents and children to be more present. They are used at schools, universities, weddings, and even in courts of law.

Students Adeline Ybarra and Leo Garcia were two of the many students who received one. Adeline said, “The purpose of the pouches is so students can listen more actively in class and not be distracted by their phones.”

Leo said, “I feel like they aren’t needed, as we have teachers and staff who do a good job with controlling when we aren’t supposed to be on our phones.” Adeline also said “I feel that there is no need for them because we as students should be trusted to put away our phones, and if something happens we should be able to access our phone, as the school won’t be able to notify the parents as fast as each individual student can.”

Adeline said she felt it was a disadvantage because, to unlock the pouches, you need a specific magnet to open it. These magnets are located next to the exits of our school. “If something were to happen, we wouldn’t be able to contact our parents because they are locked away in the pouches.”

Leo said, “I think it may not be a disadvantage now, but it could be in emergencies. I think having access to our phones during emergencies would keep students more calm, as well as parents.”

Adeline said, “If I’m honest with you, I think it is a waste of money. I think they could’ve used the money for better school lunch, supplies, and they could’ve replaced the feminine dispensers, which are broken.”

Leo said “Yes, I feel like it was a huge waste of money. I also think the money could have been used more positively on the handball courts that have been needing attention for a long time.”

CMMS Assistant Principal Mr. Waldram said, “I think the district’s Yondr Program will help reinforce our school’s cell phone policy for Middle School students in an effective way. The Yondr Program has been shared with middle school families, students have been trained, and pouches have been checked out. Middle School students will begin using their Yondr pouches on Tuesday, September 2nd.”

The Yondr pouch stations are located near the middle school office, seen below.