HELENA, Mont. — Governor Gianforte called on the Montana Board of Education and school board members to take action to limit distractions in the classroom and improve academic performance by creating cellphone-free schools.
The following was sent from the Governor’s office:
Governor Greg Gianforte today called on Montana school superintendents and school board members to take action to limit learning distractions in the classroom and improve student academic performance by establishing “cell phone free” schools.
To help our Montana students 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,” Governor Gianforte wrote in a letter to Montana school boards and trustees. “Unfortunately, cell phones distract students and disrupt the learning environment, and studies show this leads to learning loss and lower grades.”
Student smartphone use during the school day has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. According to a 2023 report by Common Sense Media, 97 percent of 11- to 17-year-olds use their mobile phones during school hours to send text messages, access social media, play games, and watch videos, among other things. On average, they receive more than 50 notifications per day on their phones during school hours.
“Studies and data point to an urgent need to act,” wrote Governor Gianforte, highlighting the negative impacts of students’ cell phone use in school on their academic performance and mental health.
“Given the severity of the situation, I am asking you and all school districts across our state to consider implementing policies to create ‘cellphone-free’ schools,” the governor wrote. “Schools across the country that have implemented policies to create ‘cellphone-free’ schools have seen increased student participation and improved academic outcomes.”
While some school districts in Montana have already implemented cellphone-free schools, the governor’s letter is the first attempt by a state agency in Montana to reduce cellphone-related distractions in the classroom.
The Governor’s letter to school superintendents and school board members can be viewed here.
