Could A Statewide Cell Phone Ban Improve Montana’s Grades?

It should come as no surprise to absolutely anyone that it can be difficult to get the attention of a child or teenager when they're locked into their phone. They literally have the world at their fingertips and access to a multitude of distractions that can take them down the endless rabbit holes we all call "content."

Are Cell Phones A Step Back For Montana Students?

Most Montana schools have some sort of cell phone policy in place but there is no concrete, statewide ban on cell phones.

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Governor Gianforte, however, has been very vocal about incentivizing school districts and penned a letter to the schools of Montana in August 2024, pushing school districts to go "cell phone-free." In his letter, Governor Gianforte wrote:

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. Schools across the country that have enacted policies to make schools “cell phone-free" have seen increased student engagement and improved academic outcomes. Many school districts in Montana have already taken this step to ensure that teachers can teach, and students can learn, free from the distractions of cell phones.

And spoiler: he's not wrong.

What Does The Data Say About Cell Phone-Free Schools? Does It Work?

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, cellphone bans in Florida resulted in "significant improvements in student test scores in the second year of the ban after that initial adjustment period."

The study also revealed that the cell phone ban "significantly reduced student unexcused absences, an effect that may explain a large fraction of the test score gains."

So, while most school districts in Montana already have a cell phone ban in place... should we go statewide with this rule and reap the educational benefits? What do you think? Share your thoughts with us HERE.