The Commons: Students

The Commons is an app designed to help students stay focused during school hours without having to give up their phones. It is a privacy-first app that pauses access to distracting apps, such as social media and games, during the school day. The goal of The Commons is to help students reconnect with what matters most and make school a place for real connection, rather than mindless scrolling. The app works by automatically turning on when a student arrives at school and blocking distracting apps during school hours. However, it still allows access to academic, medical, and critical communication apps. This way, students can still use their phones for important tasks without being tempted by distractions. The app shuts off as soon as the school day ends, giving students back their freedom and independence. The Commons is not about monitoring or tracking students. It is about helping them take back control of their focus. The app does not access messages, browsing history, photos, social media content, or location history. It only requires a few device permissions to function in accordance with school policy. These permissions are strictly used for technical functionality and are never used to collect personal content or track movement outside of school zones. Some of the things students can do with The Commons include staying present in class without missing important information, cutting distractions without sacrificing communication, and building stronger tech habits. The app helps reduce stress and increase focus, leading to a more productive and fulfilling school experience. The Commons is committed to privacy and does not engage in any tracking or data grabs. They have a strict privacy policy in place and do not share any personal data with third parties. Disabling the required permissions may prevent the app from working properly, and school administrators may be alerted if a permission is missing. The app uses a VPN to establish a secure connection and filter distracting content during school hours, without logging browsing history. This VPN only operates within a school-defined window and does not affect internet traffic outside of school hours. In summary, The Commons is a helpful app for students who want to stay focused during school hours without giving up their phones. It is designed to promote real connection and reduce distractions, leading to less stress and more focus. The app is committed to privacy and only requires a few device permissions for technical functionality. It is a valuable tool for students looking to improve their tech habits and make the most out of their school experience.