CDH Implements New Phone Policy to Improve Student Learning and Wellness

By Greta Cunningham ‘23
August 30, 2024

This year, Cretin-Derham Hall has decided to become phone-free. Students will lock their phones in a Yondr pouch at the beginning of the school day. First-period teachers will ensure phones have been properly secured. Students can then keep their Yondr pouches in their backpacks until the end of the school day. They will unlock their pouches with devices at school exits when they leave the building. 

“A lot of students have asked me why they can't use their phones during non-class time,” said Assistant Principal Amy Bellus ’90. “I tell them that if we really care about their emotional well-being, it would be disingenuous of us to let them cram social media for two hours every day. I truly believe that this will lead to happier and healthier students and better learning.”

According to the US Surgeon General's Advisory, social media use perpetuates body dissatisfaction, sleep and attention problems, and cyberbullying. In a survey CDH offered for community input, 97% of parents/guardians and 100% of faculty/staff said they believed that excessive phone use affects students’ mental health.  

“I think a benefit of this policy might be students learning to like who they are instead of comparing themselves to someone online,” said CDH parent Brian McMahon ’95. “I hope they can begin to see what is around them and not only what is on a screen, that they can talk more with each other in person and participate more in class.”

Over 91% of parents/guardians and faculty/staff surveyed said they believe phones are a distraction in the classroom. More classroom engagement is one of the new policy’s primary goals. 

“As a teacher, I want to create an inspiring environment where students can learn effectively, engage deeply with the material, and develop the skills they need for future success. In recent years, one of the most significant challenges to achieving this goal has been the presence of cell phones in the classroom,” said social studies teacher Tiffany Rosen. “While these devices have absolutely transformed how we communicate and access information, they have become an increasing distraction in the classroom. It’s challenging to resist the allure of social media notifications, text messages, or games.” 

Halfway through the last school year, Rosen decided to implement her own phone procedure. At the beginning of each class period, she instructed her students to put their phones away in what she dubbed the “Phone Castle,” a wooden box made to hold phones for classroom use. Students could collect their phones at the end of class. 

“At first, students were reluctant, but after a few days, it became our new normal,” she said. “I immediately noticed a culture change within my classroom. Students were more focused on instructions, engaged in discussions, and collaborative with their peers. By the end of the school year I had several students share how they looked forward to our class because of this digital disconnect. That was powerful feedback.”

This increased productivity and social connection is exactly what students can hope to see from this policy change.  

“I think it will force all of us to pay more attention in class and get more out of each lesson,” said Drew Brass ’25. “I hope it will allow students to talk more to each other when they see each other in the halls or at flex. If students have issues with the policy, they should reach out to the administrators to talk because they are extremely open and knowledgeable on the subject. It may be hard at first but, with persistence and a positive mindset, this can benefit students.”

In addition to maximizing the time they spend in class, students think the new phone policy could decrease the time they have to spend on classwork at home.

“Initially, when I heard about the new Yondr phone policy being implemented, I was hesitant,” said Ellie McQuillan ’27. “But then I took some time to consider how it would benefit students and realized how much more school work students will complete during school hours. I believe that if students allow this policy to sink in, they will be delightfully surprised as to how it affects their homework load after school.”  

Yondr surveyed over 1,200 of their school partners and found that 

• 84% saw a change in student engagement

• 72% saw a positive change in student behavior

• 68% saw a positive change in academic performance

• 86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness

Over 20 Minnesota schools and districts will be using Yondr this year. 

“I would like the CDH community to watch as this new policy allows the interpersonal relationships of the students flourish,” said McQuillan. “I believe that the sense of home and community will increase immensely. This opens a door for students to step out of their comfort zones and be social. I cannot wait to see how CDH benefits from the Yondr policy.”