The Missoula county public school board approved a new policy banning the use of cellphones and other personal electronic items during class time. Students will not be able to use cellphones while in class, although they can have their devices at lunch and in passing periods.

During instructional time devices must be off and out of sight, most teachers are using phone caddies to store cellphones during class time. This could help to make sure students are not sneaking their phones during class.

The policy was enforced after a survey was taken in October, 2024. Staff, students, and parents took this survey, it informed them of the ban of smartphone use in classrooms, with some exceptions. In November the survey was discussed with the board. Each middle school and high school hosted an event to get some additional feedback.

The public can submit feedback on the new policy, the board will review and consider this feedback before voting on the ban again in March. Amy Shattack, the assistant superintendent said “There were a few parents who responded they were in favor of a complete ban, but the majority wanted a happy medium where there’s a consistent district policy where students do not use their phones in the classroom to distract their learning”