BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – From the moment students get out of the car or step off the bus at Town Creek Middle School, they lock their phones up in a gray and green pouch.

That’s because the school is one of two middle schools testing out the YONDR pouch this year, as part of Brunswick County Schools’ pilot program.

Students keep the pouches with them throughout the day, but they can’t open them without a special magnet.

Now, we’re hearing from teachers and students about how the program is going.

So far, they’re giving YONDR glowing reviews.

“I haven’t had to tell one kid to put their phone away,” Heather Jones, a seventh-grade science teacher said. “They are actually paying attention and they’re interacting with each other more.”

She’s not the only teacher who agrees. Jamila Simmons says locking up phones may be just the thing to get students to lock in during class.

“I do think it’s making a difference. They’re more focused in class. They’re not worried about their phones going off. They’re actually talking to me more when I’m asking them questions and they’re working together with each other more in group work,” Simmons said.

The YONDR pouch comes at a time when students are more distracted than ever.

A study from Pew Research shows the number of teens, ages 13 to 17, who say they are online “almost constantly” has doubled since 2014.

Teachers say when the pouches are being used, phones are out of sight and out of mind.

“It’s a huge relief. It’s one thing less we have to worry about in class,” Jones said.

But don’t just take it from the teachers.

Students say they feel less distracted.

“I thought it would be weird at first because it’s like a random pouch, but it’s a good idea now that I’ve used it,” Jeremiah Simmons, an eighth grader at Town Creek said.

The pouches help combat a feeling known as “FOMO.” If students know their friend’s phones are also locked up, there’s no “fear of missing out.”

“We don’t have to constantly think what’s happening when this is happening then. It’s not as bad,” Adilyn Ngo, a student at Town Creek agreed.

Simmons said it takes the pressure off, so he can pay attention more.

“I think everybody is more focused when they come into the school straight out the gate because everyone’s phones are not a distraction anymore,” he said.

District leaders say the main drawback, so far, is that the YONDR pouch is expensive, costing $27 each.

School officials told WECT they’re going to see how the pilot program goes this year before they consider taking it county-wide.

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