Cites research showing cell phone use in schools leading to declines in academic outcomes and student engagement

HELENA, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on Aug 22nd, asked Montana superintendents and school board trustees to adopt policies to limit learning distractions in the classroom and improve student academic performance by establishing "cell phone-free” schools.

For our Montana students to reach their full, outstanding potential, "we should seek to remove distractions and disruptions in our schools, a place where students should be focused on learning,” Gov. Gianforte wrote in a letter to Montana superintendents and trustees. "Unfortunately, cell phones distract students and disrupt the learning environment, and according to studies, it leads to learning loss and lower grades.”

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. They receive an average of more than 50 notifications per day on their phones during school hours.

"Studies and data point to the urgent need to act,” Gov. Gianforte wrote, emphasizing the negative impact of students’ use of cell phones use in school on their academic outcomes and mental health.

"Given the gravity of the situation, I ask you, and all school districts throughout our state, to consider adopting policies that create ‘cell phone-free’ schools,” the governor wrote. "Schools across the country that have enacted policies to make schools ‘cell phone-free’ have seen increased student engagement and improved academic outcomes.”

While some Montana school districts 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.

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