Yondr

Yondr is an American company that specializes in creating phone-free environments using its main product, the Yondr Pouch.^[2] The pouch allows individuals to keep their phones with them while preventing use in designated phone-free spaces, such as schools, courthouses, and live event venues.^[3][4][5] Founded in 2014 by Graham Dugoni, the company has expanded its services to 27 countries, with offices in London and Dublin.^[6][7][8]

Yondr

Founded	2014; 11 years ago (2014)
Founders	Graham Dugoni[1]
Headquarters	Los Angeles, California , United States
Products	Yondr Pouch
Website	www.overyondr.com

Yondr's pouches are generally used to reduce distractions in schools and workplaces and to prevent unauthorized photography or recordings at performances and private events. The company has also launched the Yondr Program, which includes its phone-free pouch system and event design solutions.

In 2023, the company launched its own outdoor music festival in Greenville, New York.^[9]

Background

The concept for Yondr began in 2012 with founder and former professional soccer player, Graham Dugoni.^[10] Dugoni leaned on his interest in sociology, phenomenology, and the philosophy of technology and began experimenting with several options for the design of the Yondr pouch.^[11][12]

Technology

The pouches use magnetic locks similar to those used with hard electronic article surveillance tags, with phones being placed in the pouch upon entry to the phone-free space. The owner retains possession of the phone inside the pouch, and upon departing, the pouch can be unlocked and the phone removed by tapping it on an unlocking base.^[13]

Implementation of Yondr products

A Yondr phone pouch

Yondr facilitates phone-free environments designed to limit distractions during learning.^[14] Yondr was initially used by educational institutions addressing concerns about cellphone use in classrooms.^[15] It has since been used in entertainment venues where artists seek to create distraction-free experiences, courtrooms aiming to maintain decorum, and corporate environments.^[16][17]

In schools

While some students, parents and publications have raised concerns about the cost and complexity of Yondr, others have noted its effectiveness in creating phone-free learning environments. ^[18]

Following the implementation of Yondr pouches, schools such as Corona del Mar Middle School have reported a decline in fighting and other inappropriate behaviors, indicating a positive shift in student conduct.^[19] At Schoharie Public Schools, administrators reported increased student engagement in conversations, more in-person conflict resolution, and higher elective enrollment following the implementation of phone-free school days. Some parents also noted changes in screen time management at home.^[20]

In 2023 the US government spent $2.13 million on Yondr.^[21] At the same time, some students who have Yondr implemented in their schools said they notice the benefits and support the use of Yondr in their school.^[22] Schools have also reported increased academic performance, attention, and a decrease in fights and bullying.^[18]

At concerts and shows

In 2019, the use of Yondr cases was reported in comedy and theater.^[23] They have been utilized at concerts,^[24] as well as during performances by comedians who aim to prevent their material from being leaked on YouTube and to keep their audiences focused, free from distractions.^[25]

In courtrooms

Yondr has been used in some courtrooms to prevent distractions from phones during trials and proceedings. Courts have implemented the system to maintain order and focus.^[26][27] In 2017, the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania began using Yondr pouches at the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice in Philadelphia.^[28] In 2024, the Municipal Court of Kansas City, Kansas implemented Yondr pouches to enhance courtroom decorum and reduce distractions.^[29][30] On January 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia began requiring visitors to secure phones and smartwatches in Yondr pouches while in courthouses.^[31]

Purpose & Impact

Yondr phone-free spaces have received mixed reviews from users.^[32][33] Critics argue that phone-free solutions could be achieved through simpler, less expensive methods.^[34]

See also

• Mobile phone jammer
• Mobile phone use in schools
• Secret photography