Mahindra International School: Pioneering a Phone-Free Campus with YONDR

In a pioneering move that is setting new standards in education, Mahindra International School (MIS) introduced the ‘Yondr’ initiative at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, making it the first IB school in India to implement phone pouches to obtain a completely phone-free environment for its Secondary school students. This initiative reflects MIS’s commitment to fostering an educational atmosphere where students can focus on learning and personal growth without the distractions of smartphones.

The transition to a phone-free campus has already begun to show positive results. The absence of connected devices has created a more vibrant and engaging atmosphere at school. The campus is now filled with the sounds of lively conversations, laughter, and even the clatter of board games—a refreshing change from the often silent, screen-focused environment that has become the norm in many schools. Students who previously spent their breaks absorbed in their phones are now interacting more with their peers, engaging in creative play, and participating in group activities that strengthen their social bonds.

The positive impact on students has been profound. With fewer distractions, students are more focused in class, leading to better academic performance. Social interactions have become richer and more meaningful, helping to build a stronger sense of community. The phone-free initiative at MIS is not just about limiting screen time; it’s about enriching the overall school experience, ensuring that students thrive both academically and socially. As the first school in India to adopt this approach, MIS is leading the way in creating a more balanced and enriching environment for its students.

What Are Parents Saying?

Aarti Rampal (Parent of Saanika – MYP2): “As a parent, I think Yondr is a great initiative. A daily reminder from the homeroom teacher to ensure the pouches are locked will make this a truly successful endeavor.”

Deepa Moondra (Parent of Jiyaa – MYP4): “The impact has been remarkable. By fostering a distraction-free atmosphere, Yondr has allowed students to focus better on their studies and engage more meaningfully in their learning. Even at home, my child is more focused without the phone’s distraction.”

Shachi Munot (Parent of Reyansh – MYP3): “Phones were a major distraction. There are enough ways for a child to communicate with a parent in an emergency. I hope regular surprise checks will ensure compliance.”

Aruna Joysula (Parent of Sanjana – MYP2): “My daughter is thrilled about her friends having time away from their phones. She mentions they now play games like Hopscotch and Tag. This has helped her reconnect with friends who weren’t eager to socialize earlier.”

Fatima Moosa (Parent of Zakiya – MYP1 & Mustafa – MYP3): “Personally, I feel that the pouch is a wonderful initiative implemented by the school! The children are more focused during class, and there is more interaction and play between peers during snack and lunch times. My son has started prioritizing his schoolwork more, and it could be as a result of being more focused and having fewer distractions.”

Vijaykumar Papanwar (Parent of Kashish – DP1): “Really appreciate the Yondr initiative. This is perfect for the school environment wherein mobile phones are available for emergency communication as soon as students leave campus. While on campus, they focus on academics and school activities.”

The overwhelmingly positive response from parents underscores the success of the Yondr initiative at Mahindra International School. By fostering a distraction-free, engaging environment, MIS is not just rethinking education but reshaping it for the better.

Human systems and economic activities	The study of how and why people construct organizations and systems; the ways in which people connect locally and globally; the distribution of power and authority.
Social organization and culture	The study of people, communities, cultures and societies in the ways in which individuals, groups and societies interact with each other.
Continuity and change through time	The study of the relationships between people and events through time; the past, its influences on the present and its implications for the future; people who have shaped the future through their actions.
Human and natural environments	The study of the distinctive features that give a place its identity; how people adapt to and alter their environment; how people experience and represent place; the impact of natural disasters on people and the built environment.
Resources and the environment	The interaction between people and the environment; the study of how humans allocate and manage resources; the positive and negative effects of this management; the impact of scientific and technological developments on the environment.

Living things	The study of the characteristics, systems and behaviours of humans and other animals, and of plants; the interactions and relationships between and among them, and with their environment.
Earth and space	The study of planet Earth and its position in the universe, particularly its relationship with the sun; the natural phenomena and systems that shape the planet and the distinctive features that identify it; the infinite and finite resources of the planet.
Materials and matter	The study of the properties, behaviours and uses of materials, both natural and human-made; the origins of human-made materials and how they are manipulated to suit a purpose.
Forces and energy	The study of energy, its origins, storage and transfer, and the work it can do; the study of forces; the application of scientific understanding through inventions and machines. (IBO, 2009)

Mahindra International School: Pioneering a Phone-Free Campus with YONDR

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