The Commons Blog
California School Phone Policy: AB 3216 Requirements, Costs & Solutions
Learn what California's Phone-Free Schools Act (AB 3216) requires, implementation options, costs, funding opportunities, and how The Commons supports schools.
Best Apps and Solutions to Limit Student Phone Use at School
A practical guide to comparing phone pouches, phone-blocking apps, and software-based solutions for creating sustainable phone-free schools.
6 Reasons Middle Schoolers Lose Focus When Phones Are Nearby During Homework
What schools and families should know about smartphone distraction, homework, and building digital self-regulation skills.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Digital Literacy (and What to Say When They Push Back on School Phone Rules)
A parent's guide to healthy phone habits, phone safety conversations, and the facts about The Commons.
New Jersey School Cell Phone Law: Requirements & Solutions
New Jersey's "bell-to-bell" law S-3695/A-4882 (P.L. 2025, c.195) requires every public school district to restrict student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Learn what the law requires, your implementation options, and how The Commons' “airplane mode for schools” helps districts comply and students thrive, allowing educators to focus on what they do best – teach.
How to Choose A Student Phone Management Software - A Practical Guide
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about evaluating and implementing the best student smartphone management software for k-12 schools. You'll learn what features matter most, how to handle privacy concerns, ways to accommodate students with special needs, and practical steps for rolling out a solution across your campus or district.
Looking for an Alternative to Yondr or Phone Pouches?
Schools no longer have to choose between unrestricted phone use and locking devices away. Compare how physical phone collection and software-based distraction management differ and discover which approach best supports your school's goals.
How to choose between The Commons vs. Phone Lockers? Two Different Approaches to School Phone Policies
When schools decide to address student phone use, one common solution is phone lockers. Another is The Commons. Both reduce classroom distractions, but they operate very differently.
Is there a difference between student cellphone distraction blocking apps?
The Commons vs. Other Compliance Apps Many schools evaluating phone solutions compare The Commons to other monitoring and compliance-focused technology platforms. While both provide accountability, they are designed to accomplish different outcomes.
What Does Your State’s Student Cellphone Law Actually Require? A Guide to 35+ States
In the rush to buy pouches and install collection bins, many schools are implementing solutions their state law may not specifically require, even where districts retain flexibility in how they implement their policies. Last reviewed: September 2026
California's Phone-Free School Act: A Practical Implementation Guide for School Leaders
California schools have until July 1, 2026, to adopt policies regulating student smartphone use during the school day. For many district and school leaders, the challenge isn't writing the policy, it's implementing it.
Massachusetts New Cell Phone Policy H4745: What You Need to Know | The Commons
Massachusetts H4745 proposes statewide requirements for student cellphone policies in public schools. Learn what the bill proposes, its current status, and how Massachusetts districts can prepare.
Beyond Phone Pouches: How Schools Are Rethinking Phone-Free Learning
Bans were a necessary first step. Here's what schools need to do next.
Can Students Manage Their Phones at School Without Locking Them Up?
Why willpower isn't a phone policy — and what behavioral science says works instead.
The Biggest Misconception About Phone-Free Schools
Phone-free doesn't mean distraction-free. What do schools actually need?
Removing Teacher Burden & Distractions
Phone bans are exhausting teachers. Here's a smarter approach.