Smartphone Lock Pouch a Big Hit in the US... Parents Smile, Kids Cry

US Startup 'Yondre' That Made 'Jamgeum Pocket'
Sales Surge Since May Last Year
But Skepticism Remains Over Smartphone Ban

The so-called 'lock pouch' that restricts children's smartphone use has gained popularity across the United States, leading the startup that developed it to achieve massive sales success.

On the 26th (local time), NBC reported that over the past eight years, 41 school districts in the U.S. have spent $2.3 million (about 2.98 billion KRW) purchasing lock pouches from the California startup 'Yondr.' Developed by Yondr in 2014, the pouch is a cloth pouch slightly larger than a smartphone. Characterized by a gray and green mixed exterior, this pouch uses a special magnet that makes it relatively difficult to open and close.

The smartphone "Lock Pocket" developed by "Yondre" is gaining popularity in schools across the United States. [Image source=Yondre homepage]

Initially, it gained attention for restricting phone use at live performances rather than in schools. However, as concerns about children's smartphone use spread, the situation reversed, according to Yondr CEO Graham Dugoni. In fact, as awareness of smartphone use increased in American society, Yondr's sales surged after May of last year.

However, some skepticism has been raised about banning smartphone use in schools. Anthony Bacaro, a researcher at the University of Southern California (USC) studying brain science, pointed out that it is important for children to learn how to self-regulate smartphone use before becoming adults. He said, "Prohibiting phone use does not eliminate problems related to smartphone use," adding, "When children cannot access their phones, it is difficult for them to learn how to self-regulate their smartphone use."

Some students also expressed skeptical reactions. They argue that smartphones are very useful for gathering evidence related to bullying or responding to school shootings, and have posted petitions related to Yondr.

Meanwhile, concerns about children's smartphone use are increasingly spreading to Congress and courts. Last month, U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) introduced a bill requiring the government to study the impact of students' phone use on academic achievement. Additionally, in July, about 200 school districts filed lawsuits against Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, claiming that children’s use of social networking service (SNS) apps in classrooms is causing educational harm.