HM Government of Gibraltar is pleased to announce the successful introduction of Yondr pouches in secondary schools, following more than a month of implementation.

The initiative, introduced to limit mobile phone use during the school day, is already delivering positive results for both pupils and staff. Teachers have reported tangible improvements to pupil concentration and behaviour.

The policy forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to supporting pupil wellbeing, improving classroom focus, and ensuring that schools remain environments that prioritise learning, safety and positive social interaction.

Headteacher of Bayside School, Gaynor Lester, said: “Since the introduction of Yondr pouches over a month ago, we have seen a noticeable reduction in many types of incidents in school. Limiting access to online content during the school day has had a positive impact, reinforcing the importance of managing exposure to potentially harmful material.”

Minister for Education, the Hon. Prof John Cortes, said that feedback received directly from pupils has been overwhelmingly encouraging: “Pupils have approached me directly to tell me that without the constant pull of their phones, they feel less distracted and more present during lessons and throughout the school day. It has been particularly encouraging to hear pupils say they are concentrating better and engaging more with their classmates and teachers.

“Our schools should be spaces where young people can learn, interact and develop without the constant distraction of mobile devices. The early feedback from pupils and school staff suggests that this initiative is helping to achieve exactly that.”

The Department of Education will continue to monitor the policy and work closely with schools, pupils and families to ensure that the benefits seen so far are sustained in the months ahead.