Missoula, MT – Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) is advancing a new policy that would significantly limit student use of personal electronic devices, including smartphones, in the classroom. The policy, which was discussed by the school board earlier this week, is the result of a survey conducted in October among staff, students, and parents, and reflects the growing concerns over classroom distractions.
Under the new proposal, the use of phones and other personal devices would be largely banned in classrooms, with some exceptions. The policy marks a departure from the district’s current guidelines, which allow teachers to use their discretion when permitting device use in class. The revised policy aims to create more consistency across the district, particularly in middle and high schools, where concerns about phone use have been most pronounced.
In a recent board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Amy Shattuck highlighted feedback gathered during a series of parent and community events held at middle and high schools. Shattuck reported that while some parents supported an outright ban on phones, the majority favored a middle ground approach. They expressed a desire for a consistent policy that would prevent phones from being a distraction during instructional time.
For elementary and middle school students, the new policy will prohibit the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds throughout the instructional day. Students will be required to turn off their devices and keep them out of sight unless they have a medical exemption or prior approval. Parents will still be able to contact their children through the school office.
High school students, however, will face a slightly different set of rules. The board presented two options for high school policy. The first would maintain the current approach, allowing teachers discretion over device use in the classroom. The second, which received support from building administrators, would impose a strict ban on phone use during instructional time, although students could use their devices during passing periods, lunch, or before and after school. After a thorough discussion, the board voted to proceed with the second option for high schools.
Superintendent Micah Hill emphasized that the district’s goal is not to create undue hardship for families who rely on phones to track or communicate with their children. However, Hill stressed the need to draw a clear line to limit distractions and ensure that students remain focused on their education. “We’re not trying to take away something that’s important, but we are trying to ensure that devices don’t interfere with learning,” Hill said.
The new policy also includes provisions for the confiscation of devices from students who violate the rules. Devices will be returned at the end of the day, and repeat offenders may face additional consequences, such as parent meetings or having their device picked up by a guardian.
Some board members expressed concerns about the policy’s impact on teachers, particularly in high school classrooms where phones are sometimes used for educational purposes. Scott Chook, president of the Missoula Education Association, noted that teachers often have valid reasons for allowing phone use, such as in yearbook or other project-based classes. In response, the policy was amended to allow teachers at the middle school level to request approval for using devices for instructional purposes.
Trustees also discussed the importance of balancing the need for restriction with the opportunity to teach students about responsible technology use. “At some point, we’re going to turn these kids loose in the real world,” Hill said. “And where is the opportunity to introduce them to responsible technology use from trusted adults, in an educational setting?”
The school board will continue to gather public feedback on the proposed policy, with a final vote expected in March. As the policy continues to take shape, the district aims to provide a clearer framework for managing electronic devices in schools while addressing concerns from both parents and educators about maintaining a focused learning environment.
