SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The Gettysburg School District will be transitioning to a device-free learning environment for the 2024-25 school year by locking student’s phones in a magnetic, locked pouch.
The school district posted the new phone policy on social media Sunday evening that said students kindergarten through 12th grade will be device-free throughout the school day.
Elementary students will be instructed to turn off any devices and store them in their classroom or backpack for the day. Students from 6-12th grade will lock smartphones, smartwatches and bluetooth headphones in a YONDR pouch for the day.
The pouch locks with a magnet and can only be opened with an unlocking base, YONDR’s website says. The Gettysburg School District said students can unlock their phones if they are leaving for lunch or when they’re leaving campus at the end of the day.
Teachers and administrators can unlock the pouches as needed for classroom use.
According to South Dakota Department of Education’s student enrollment data from fall 2023, Gettysburg School District had 220 enrolled students; 123 of those were middle and high school students.
All middle and high school students will receive a pouch that they will keep for multiple years. If it’s lost or destroyed, new ones cost $35.
The social media post said the reason the school is implementing the new policy is to minimize distraction and create a better learning environment.
“Research has also shown that constant phone use and social media are having a significant effect on students’ mental and social-emotional health,” the post said.
KELOLAND News has reached out to the Gettysburg School District for more information about the new policy.
