A New Push From Montana Gov. Causes Debate Among Parents

BUTTE, MT - In a bold new push aimed at improving academic performance and student wellbeing, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is urging every school district in the state to adopt “cell phone-free” policies.

Get our free mobile app

The call to action, outlined in an open letter to district superintendents and trustees and detailed in a March 27 MTPR article, is already stirring debate among parents, educators, and students across the state.

Here’s what you need to know—and what it could mean for your child’s education.

The Governor’s Message: A Distraction-Free Learning Zone

Governor Gianforte’s letter, dated August 22, 2024, paints a clear picture: cell phones are a major distraction in classrooms, and it’s time to take them out of the equation.

Citing a rise in student phone use, learning disruptions, and a growing mental health crisis, Gianforte says the stakes are too high to ignore.

The governor's office points to research showing that teens receive more than 50 notifications per school day and average nearly an hour and a half of social media use daily.

According to Gianforte, this has contributed to increased anxiety, depression, and decreased academic outcomes.

The Data Behind the Push

Gianforte isn’t just relying on anecdotes—he’s citing national research that shows dramatic increases in screen time since the introduction of smartphones 20 years ago.

According to his office:

• 97% of teens aged 11–17 use their phones during school.

• Nearly 9 out of 10 teenagers now own a smartphone.

• Screen media use among 8–12-year-olds rose by over an hour daily between 2015 and 2021.

• 84% of teens use social media, with 1 in 5 using it every single day.

These numbers, the governor argues, are linked to higher rates of mental health challenges and lower academic performance.

What “Cell Phone-Free” Might Look Like

While no statewide policy is being enforced (yet), Gianforte is encouraging all Montana school districts to develop and implement their own restrictions.

He says his office is prepared to help districts adopt effective policies by working with education leaders and health officials.

So what does “cell phone-free” mean in practice?

That depends on the district. Some schools may collect phones at the door, while others may require students to keep devices in lockers or off and out of sight throughout the day.

The goal, according to the governor, is to free students and teachers from daily digital distractions so they can focus on learning.

Many Montana schools have already implemented such policies, according to Gianforte, with reported improvements in classroom engagement and academic performance.

What Happens Next?

While no legislation has been proposed (yet), Gianforte plans to follow up with schools to track their progress.

His office will also provide resources to help districts evaluate and adopt best practices for phone restrictions.

For now, it’s up to local school boards and administrators to decide whether—and how—to take action.

The Bottom Line for Parents

Whether you’re for or against the idea, one thing is clear: the conversation about cell phones in Montana schools isn’t going away anytime soon.

As a parent, you may want to:

• Check your school district’s current cell phone policy.

• Attend local school board meetings to voice your thoughts.

• Talk to your kids about how they use their phones during the day.

• Stay informed as the state releases more guidance.

With the school year underway and a growing spotlight on digital distractions, the next few months could shape the future of how students in Montana learn—and how connected they stay to the outside world.