Managing phone use in schools and public spaces has become a crucial challenge in our digital age. Two prominent solutions, the Multi-Tiered Safe Pouch and the Yondr system, have emerged as effective tools for creating phone-free environments. This article provides a detailed comparison of these systems based on several key factors, including pricing, customization options, ease of use, and other features.
Multi-tiered Safe Pouch® vs. Yondr System
Yondr system and Multi-tiered Safe Pouch are both US Patented technology. Yondr system includes pouches of different sizes that lock up users' electronic devices so that the "device is rendered inaccessible to the user, the locking means being further non-disengageable by the user of the mobile electronic device" until a "predetermined condition is the physical presence of the case outside of a defined geographical region" or " passage of time" is met . Yondr uses a magnetic unlocking key base to unlock the Yondr pouches.
Multi-tiered Safe Pouch® is a one-size-fits-all pouch that empowers teachers, administrators, and event organizers to create phone-free spaces by trapping the phones inside the Safe Pouch while allowing users to access and operate their phones. However, the users are unable to see their entire screen. Safe Pouch® has different tiers of pouches that require different magnetic strengths to unlock pouches of different tiers. For example, Tier 1 Magnet will not unlock any Tier 2 Orange Safe Pouch.
Pricing
Yondr System cost ranges from $15 to $30 per student annually, based on school size and other requirements. (Mather, Yahoo News)
Multi-Tiered Safe Pouch is a one-time purchase with Free Repairs for the first 60-Day
Purchase Option Prices
$12 per Pouch
$ 32 per Tier 1 Magnet to unlock any Tier 1 Blue Safe Pouch ( Usually needed one per classroom)
$200 per Tier 2 Magnet to unlock Tier 2 Orange Safe Pouch and Tier 1 Blue Safe Pouch ( Only need one for an entire school)
Safe Pouch focuses on supporting schools with Repair Services to help school reuse their pouches for many years and reduce waste and cost.
Quick Phone Access during Emergency
According to schools that use Yondr: "In case of an emergency, we direct our students to safety first. School staff will be able to unlock a Yondr case in a matter of seconds for students once they are in a safe and secure location." (ClassicalPrep.org)
With Safe Pouch, schools are recommended to have a portable Tier 1 Magnet in all classrooms to unlock any Tier 1 Blue Safe Pouch, which only takes seconds to unlock. If there is no magnet on a rare occasion, anyone can cut the side thread to remove the phone easily. Therefore, students do not have to wait to get to a safe place first.
Accommodations for Individual Students' Personal Emergency Use.
Schools implementing Yondr require students to go to the Main Office to use school phones.
With Safe Pouch, all teachers have a magnet to unlock any student's Blue Safe Pouch so students can use their devices in a personal emergency. Students give the teacher their ID, turn off their phones, and lock them up again to get their ID back after they are done.
Accommodation for Students with Documented Medical or EIP where students need to use their phones.
Schools implementing Yondr provide these a "non-locking Yondr pouch that has a velcro seal." (www.bethlehemschools.org)
Since all classroom teachers have a magnet to unlock any student's Blue Safe Pouch, these students can ask any staff member to unlock their pouches for medical or educational use whenever they need to. Schools are recommended to give these students a special pouch with a hidden label to help teachers identify it. As always, we recommend that all staff follow the policy "trust first and verify later" to prioritize safety and urgency.
Individual Teachers or Partial School Purchase
Yondr does not offer purchasing options for individual teachers or a few teachers in a school.
Win Elements LLC does not have any minimum requirements. Individual teachers can purchase a Complete Class Set of 36 Blue Safe Pouch and 1 Magnet to implement Safe Pouch in their classes, using their department budget or money.
Accommodations for Individual's Medical, Educational, or environmental
Purchase Option for Students and Parents
Yondr does not offer to allow students or parents to buy directly.
Parents and students can purchase Tier 1 Blue Safe Pouch to personalize and use them at their school. Also, parents can purchase the Safe Pouch Parent Version to regulate phone use at home.