Keep Your Phone. Ditch the Distraction.
Don’t miss out on real life by getting sucked into your phone.
The Commons is a smarter way to stay present, connected, and focused at school.
The Commons is a simple app that helps you stay focused and present during the school day by limiting distractions from social media and non-school apps.
You get to keep your phone—no lockers, no bags. But when school starts, your phone switches into “School Mode,” so you’re not pulled into apps that aren’t helpful for learning.
Phones are great tools—but not all the time.
Apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are built to grab your attention and keep it. They’re designed to release a “feel-good” chemical in your brain called dopamine, which makes you want to check your phone again and again—even if you didn’t plan to.
This isn’t your fault. It’s how these apps are made. But when phones get in the way of learning, talking to friends, or doing your best in school, it’s time for a change.
Social Media Isn’t Bad—But Balance Is Better
We’re not here to say social media is bad. Many students are creators, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs—and tech helps them do incredible things.
But during school, the most important thing is being present.
When you participate in class, talk with your classmates, and stay focused, you build real-life skills that help you:
Get better grades
Learn faster
Build real friendships
Communicate clearly
Prepare for jobs, college, sports—whatever comes next.
This Is Bigger Than You
Even if you aren’t on your phone during class, when other people around you are, it makes it harder for everyone to focus, and it makes it harder for your teachers to teach.
73% of teachers report that cellphone usage in classrooms hinders learning
67% of U.S. students get distracted by other students’ digital devices during class
Today, reading and math scores are down across the country. Schools are trying everything to help. One thing we know for sure? Less distraction helps everyone do better.
Change Is Hard—But Worth It
It’s not easy to stop checking your phone. The part of your brain that helps you control impulses doesn’t fully finish growing until your mid-20s. That’s why you’re not “bad” if this is hard—it’s normal.
The Commons isn’t about taking your phone away—it’s about helping you build new habits that make school more fun, more successful, and less stressful.
Think about it:
Would you scroll on your phone during a big game? No, you would miss the play.
Would you check TikTok at work while a customer is talking to you? No, you could get in trouble or lose your job.
School is your training ground.
Just like practicing for a sport or a job, practicing focus now sets you up for bigger wins later.
By learning to manage your phone habits during the school day, you are building skills that will make you stronger, sharper, and more confident wherever you go next.
Your Privacy Is Protected
The Commons is safe. We don’t track what you do on your phone. We don’t know your:
Passwords
Search history
Messages
Social media accounts
Exact location at any time
But if the system sees that you're bypassing it (trying to delete it or go around it), we’ll flag that so your school can help you stay on track. This is an indication that you aren’t staying focused, you are breaking school rules and you may need further support.
You’re in control
The Commons isn't about locking you down. It's about supporting you to learn how to use technology in smart ways—for school, for your future, and for real life.
You deserve the chance to focus, succeed, and connect with your classmates face-to-face.