Will it Work? Montana School Adds New Cell Phone Policy

A school district in Montana has announced a new program aimed to keep students from being distracted by cell phones while in class. The policy has some parents worried, but is there reason for concern?

Cell phones are a huge part of our lives. Some people can't go anywhere without pulling out their phone to check out the latest news and gossip. Unfortunately, cell phones can also be very distracting, especially when it comes to students at schools across Montana. One school district in the state has introduced a new program in hopes to prevent students from being distracted in the classroom.

According to KTVQ, the Park City School District has added a new cell phone policy that is creating a bit of controversy.

MONTANA SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES PHONE-FREE ZONES

On Monday, Park City School shared details about the new cell-phone policy on social media.

Simply put, classrooms will be phone free zones. Students will receive bags in which they will lock their phones in throughout the day other than lunch. This is being done for 2 key reasons: to minimize behavior issues related to social media and to regain lost teaching time due to student inattention because of phones.

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The new policy went into effect on Monday, March 18, and the will stay in place for the remainder of the 4th quarter. After which, school officials plan to evaluate its effectiveness. The new policy has caused concern with some parents who are worried that their children wouldn't be able to contact them in case of an emergency.

Students will be required to lock their phones in a Yondr pouch. The pouches are often used at comedy clubs and concert venues. How do you feel about the new phone-free policy? Do you think more schools in Montana should do the same? Let us know how you feel about it on our radio station app.