During the 2010s, schools increased the distribution of laptops to students attending face-to- face learning. The transfer of written and physical materials to digital has lessened the need for students to carry heavy textbooks and supplies, which reduces the requirement for storage. After the pandemic era of COVID-19, online schooling took away the need for lockers, and because of social distancing and health concerns, many schools no longer require students to use lockers.

Alongside the distribution of laptops, some schools have shortened passing periods for students to go from class to class. This leaves them with little time to go to their lockers, especially if they’re located far away from the students’ designated classroom. Lockers also became a security issue, with schools growing concerned about the possibility of students hiding restricted items such as drugs or weapons. Finally, Lockers have placed a financial burden on schools’ expenses due to their purchase, installation, and constant maintenance by custodians if the locks are broken or jammed. Now, in an era where students prefer backpacks to carry with them, lockers have become obsolete.