The Commons: Students

The Commons™ – Airplane Mode For Schools Let’s be real phones are amazing. But at School? They can be a total distraction. The Commons helps students stay focused during the school day without giving up their phones. No pouches. No locks. Just fewer distractions. Built with privacy first, The Commons automatically pauses access to distracting apps like social media, games, and other non-academic content during school hours while keeping school-approved, medical, and essential communication apps available. The result? More focus. Better learning. Stronger habits. Features • Automatically activates when you arrive at school • Restricts distracting apps during school hours • Keeps approved educational and essential apps available per your school's phone policy • Automatically turns off when the school day ends Why The Commons uses VPNService: The Commons uses Android's VPNService as a core part of its functionality to help schools reduce digital distractions during the school day. When School Mode is active, VPNService creates a secure device-level connection that enables The Commons to apply your school's distraction-reduction policy by limiting access to distracting apps and websites while continuing to allow approved educational, safety, medical, and communication resources. The Commons does not function as a consumer VPN, does not route traffic for anonymity, and does not collect or sell browsing activity. VPNService is used solely to enable school-approved focus policies during school hours. Privacy First Your privacy matters. The Commons never accesses your messages, browsing history, photos, social media content, or location history. Learn more about our privacy commitment: the-commons.app/privacy-policy