The idea of kids bringing cell phones to school was just starting to become a thing while I was in high school.

By my senior year, most of us had cell phones, but using them during class wasn't even a thing.

If a teacher were to catch you with your cell phone during class, you can bet your bottom dollar they would keep it till the end of the day and, in some cases, longer than that!

But then again, I grew up in a time when most kids were more scared of their parents than they were of the authorities.

In other words, kids didn't mess with teachers like they do now because they knew their parents would be way harder on them than the principal might be.

Governor Greg Gianforte recently called Montana superintendents and school boards to implement a new cell phone policy in school.

He's asked leadership across the state to establish a "cell phone-free" policy that he says will reduce distractions during school.

Impact of Cell Phones in Schools

You can't argue that cell phones have become a significant distraction in schools nationwide.

A 2023 report from Common Sense Media revealed that 97% of 11 to 17-year-olds regularly use their cell phones during school hours.

This includes everything from texting to social media and even streaming videos.

Montana School Cell Phone Policies

Some Montana school districts have implemented cell phone restrictions, but this recent push from the governor's office aims to make these restrictions state-wide.

The goal is to foster a more productive learning environment throughout Montana.

The governor's letter can be reviewed [here].