Yondr is an American company founded by Graham Dugoni in 2014.[2][3][4][5] Yondr sells its products to households and leases them to schools, courthouse, and venues around the world.[6][7][8][9]
Graham Dugoni, a former professional soccer player, founded Yondr after attending the Treasure Island Music Festival in 2012. After witnessing an intoxicated man dancing and people filming him, he questioned the effects of technology on personal privacy and freedom of expression. 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.[10][11]
Beginning in 2014, Yondr has been implemented in schools to address the issue with students being on their phones during school hours.[12] It often has positive effects, however, not without controversy. The debate of whether students should be allowed access to their phones in school is a heated one. A 2024 poll taken by the National Parents Union found that more than 80% of parents supported the banning of phones in schools.[13]
In contrast, TIME magazine reported significant pushback by parents and students, regarding Yondr as an expensive an overcomplicated solution to a simple problem.[14]
Notwithstanding, in 2023 the US government spent $2.13 million on Yondr, a 52% increase over the previous year.[15] At the same time, students who have Yondr implemented in their schools said they notice the benefits and support the use of Yondr in their school.[16] Schools have also reported increased academic performance, attention, and a decrease in fights and bullying.[14]
Yondr has also been used by many large artists and comedians at their shows to get people to enjoy the show and live in the moment.[2]
