BSB Introduces Yondr: Supporting Students’ Focus, Wellbeing and Learning
A thoughtful approach to managing mobile phone use and creating a focused, balanced school day
Understanding Today’s Challenge
Mobile phones are now a constant presence in most students’ lives. While they offer access to information and communication, they also introduce frequent interruptions that can make sustained focus more difficult. Even when not actively used in the classroom, the presence of a phone can divide attention and affect how deeply students engage with learning.
This raises an important question: how can schools support students in using technology responsibly, while also creating the conditions for focused, meaningful learning? This is where schools play an important role in shaping a balanced and purposeful learning environment.
A Clear and Purposeful Step: Introducing Yondr
At the British School of Bucharest, we believe that excellent education is closely linked to the quality of the learning environment. As part of its commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence, BSB is proud to be the first school in Romania to implement the Yondr programme — a system used internationally to support phone-free learning spaces.
Yondr is a secure pouch system that allows students to keep their phones with them while preventing access during the school day. At the start of each day, students place their phones in a lockable pouch, which remains with them and is unlocked at the end of the day.
Since introducing Yondr, teachers have observed a number of positive shifts in the school environment. These may include:
- more consistent focus during lessons, with fewer digital interruptions
- smoother lesson flow, with less time spent addressing phone-related distractions
- increased participation, as students engage more actively in discussions and tasks
- a calmer classroom atmosphere, supporting sustained attention
- more direct interaction between students, particularly during break times
- greater opportunities for face-to-face communication and collaboration
- reduced reliance on immediate digital access, encouraging independent thinking
- a clearer distinction between purposeful and non-purposeful use of technology
- a more balanced engagement with the school day, without constant notifications
Members of the BSB community have already begun to share their experiences:
“There’s definitely an increase in awareness, not only academically, but socially as well. The implementation of Yondr has also brought some wellbeing benefits, as well as stress relief, for instance. Academically, kids can be focused on their lesson. Students, as individuals, can focus more on their own life and their own goals.”
Deniz, Secondary Student
“Yondr pouches have significantly helped in my lessons. I don’t have to worry about mobile phones anymore, and it allows me to fully dedicate my time and effort to teaching. The lack of mobile phones has helped students return to normal interactions between each other. They’re going outside, they’re playing tag, and playing football a lot more.”
Radu Cobianu, Teacher of Maths, CS and Science & Head of Year 9
Why do schools use systems like Yondr? To help reduce distractions, support focus and encourage more direct interaction during the school day.
Do students still have access to their phones? Yes — phones remain with students throughout the day and are accessible once the school day ends.
At the same time, technology remains an important part of the educational experience. Students continue to use digital tools in structured and teacher-guided contexts where they support learning.
In simple terms, this approach helps create a school day where students can focus more fully, interact more naturally and engage more deeply in their learning.
Rooted in Our Values, Focused on Every Student
For more than 25 years, the British School of Bucharest has provided a high-quality international education based on the National Curriculum for England, within a positive, caring and secure environment. The school has been rated “excellent” in all areas by the UK Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2018, 2022 and 2025, reflecting the quality of both students’ academic achievement and personal development.
At BSB, learning is built on active engagement — students are encouraged to think, discuss, explore and create, while developing independence and confidence in their own abilities. Our purpose is to develop confident, motivated and self-disciplined young people who can realise their full potential and positively impact others.
The introduction of Yondr reflects this commitment. It supports the development of key values such as self-control, responsibility and respect, while contributing to a learning environment where students can be fully present and engaged. Within our campus — designed to offer both security and inspiration — and supported by highly qualified teachers who tailor learning to each individual, students are encouraged to build meaningful relationships and explore their interests. By creating a more focused and balanced school day, we aim to support each student in making the most of their educational journey — academically, socially and personally.
