SUPERIOR, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on Sep 10th, visited Superior Schools on his 56 County Tour to discuss policies that would eliminate the distraction of cell phones in the classroom.

“Last month, I was glad to send a letter to schools across Montana to ask them to consider removing the distractions created by cell phones in a learning environment,” Gov. Gianforte said. "Studies and data point to the urgent need to act to ensure our students can thrive and I am encouraged to see Superior Schools taking a step in the right direction.”

The visit to the school comes on the heels of the governor’s letter requesting Montana’s superintendents and school board trustees adopt policies to limit learning distractions in the classroom and improve student academic performance by establishing "cell phone-free” schools.

The use of smartphones by students during the school day has increased dramatically in the last 20 years.

According to a 2023 report from Common Sense Media, 97 percent of 11 to 17-year-olds use their cell phone during school, including to text, access social media, play games, and watch videos. It also indicates they receive an average of more than 50 notifications per day on their phones during school hours.

While some Montana school districts like Superior have already adopted "cell phone-free” school policies, the governor’s letter is the first effort from a statewide official in Montana to reduce cell phone-driven distractions in learning environments.

Meeting with Superior School District Superintendent Labbe and teachers, the governor heard of the district’s “cell phone off-and-away policy” originally adopted in 2005 and amended in 2014 to limit student distractions.

“We worked with student council over the summer to come up with our plan, not a ban. Students have a choice. They can have it off and away in their locker, off and away in their backpack, or teachers have a cell phone corral,” junior and high school Principal Angie Gray shared about their policy.

The principal also noted how they work with teachers to use phones in the classroom when necessary and helpful for learning.

“It is hard for me not to check my phone if I have it in my pocket during the school day. It really goes to show the power it has over us and the distraction it can have – I know there are notifications on there that I want to go and check. So as long as it’s in my backpack, then I can focus more on what’s happening in the classroom than what’s happening on my device,” said high school junior, Lane.

“When students are on their phones, they are thinking outside of the classroom, not in the classroom. Given the social and emotional disconnect that they are having because of their cell phones, it’s great for students to be able to connect not digitally,” said teacher Mr. Q.

Discussing the policy and potential concerns, Supt. Labbe added, “We make exceptions for the students who need it. And as we are working to prioritize safety and security with new measures for evacuations, lockdowns, and holds, we are working to align our plan for limited cell phone use with our safety plan."

The governor’s letter to school superintendents and school board trustees may be viewed here.