Phone pouches vs phone lockers

A full side-by-side comparison for school leaders considering options to manage student phones in phone-free spaces.

Full comparison

This table mirrors the “Programme vs Phone Lockers” comparison used on the programme page, presented here as a standalone resource for quick review.

Comparison area	SG School Phone Pouch Programme	Phone lockers
Control of distraction	Phones locked at classroom/zone entry Easy visual check (everyone has a pouch)	Harder for teacher to verify compliance Students can say ‘it’s in my locker’ when it is not
Student security & peace of mind	Phone stays with student, just not usable	Shared / open lockers can cause disputes
Flexibility across spaces	Works in classrooms, halls, CCAs, camps, exams Same routine everywhere: phone → pouch → lock	Fixed to one location (corridor/area) Harder to enforce rules in halls, special rooms, off-site Scaling up requires more physical lockers and space
Implementation and operations	Simple rollout: issue pouches, brief staff and students Easy to replace or top up for new cohorts	Requires purchase, delivery and installation Needs space planning and maintenance Repairs, lost keys and damaged doors add admin load
Responsible use & autonomy	Supports ‘phones at the right time, right place’ Unlocking bases define where/when phones are allowed Encourages discussion about digital habits, not just bans	Feels more like an all-or-nothing rule Less nuanced control of when phones can be used again Often leads to punishment/confiscation when rules are broken
Physical safety & handling	Soft neoprene, rounded edges Locking clip with no needles or sharp pins	Metal/wood doors and hinges can pinch fingers Doors can swing into walkways
Policy clarity & parent communication	Simple message: ‘In class, phone is in a locked pouch’ Parents know phones are present but not used in lessons	Message is less visible (‘Phones in lockers’) Harder to prove phones are actually stored More questions about exceptions and special cases

Next steps

If you want the operational routine in plain steps, see how to manage phone usage in three steps. For rollout planning across levels and spaces, use the implementation guide for administrators.

Phone pouches vs phone lockers

Full comparison

Next steps

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