GREAT FALLS – Gov. Greg Gianforte has called on Montana school superintendents and school boards to take action to limit learning distractions in the classroom and improve student academic performance by establishing “cell phone free” schools.
In a press release on Thursday, August 22, 2024, Gianforte said, “For our Montana students to reach their full, outstanding potential, we should seek to eliminate distractions and disruptions in our schools, a place where students should be focused on learning. Unfortunately, cell phones distract students and disrupt the learning environment, and studies show this leads to learning loss and lower grades.”
Gianforte cited a 2023 report from Common Sense Media that said an estimated 97% of 11- to 17-year-olds use their cellphones during school hours to send text messages, access social media, play games and watch videos, among other things.
The report claims that students receive an average of more than 50 notifications per day on their phones during school hours.
In the letter to school inspectors and administrators, Gianforte wrote:
Given the seriousness of the situation, I am asking you and all school districts across our state to consider implementing “cell phone free” school policies. My office stands ready to assist you in planning and implementing a “cell phone free” school policy.
Among the larger school districts in Montana, Billings Public Schools recently implemented a new policy on cell phone use. Click here for details.
Click here to read the Governor’s letter.
