In September 2024, St George's, Ascot became a fully phone-free school during the working day for Years 7 to 11, with Years 9 to 11 having the responsibility of looking after their own devices which will be locked in Yondr pouches. These magnetic pouches securely store pupils’ mobile phones, and remain locked until the end of the school day.  

The decision to introduce Yondr pouches was motivated by the School's wider mission to empower girls to navigate the pervasive influence of technology responsibly. By offering a structured approach to managing device usage, St George’s aims to reduce the negative impact of excessive screen time and foster a healthier relationship with technology. Through innovative solutions such as the Yondr pouch and a focus on pupils’ broader wellbeing, the School remains committed to its tradition of educational excellence while addressing the challenges of the digital era.

Helen Simpson, Deputy Head (Pastoral) says “We are embracing this positive change which aims to support girls in minimising distractions and maximising their learning potential. We hope that this will simplify the school day, with improved relationships between pupils and a healthier approach to managing time online. In schools that have already introduced the initiative parents and teachers have been extremely pleased with the impact and the pupils have adapted swiftly to the ‘new normal’; our girls have been quick to embrace these changes so far.”

Teenagers report that mobile phone usage and social media are common sources of anxiety, and can lead to sleep disturbances, and disengagement from school. A recent study by The University of Cambridge showed that 48% of British teenagers feel addicted to social media. According to research by Yondr, more than 80% of Schools using the pouches see an improvement in student mental health and engagement, while over 65% report better behaviour and academic results.