Cell Phones in Schools: Supports for Families

Modern smartphones can do much more than just make calls or send texts. With a connection to the internet and social media, teens often get over 200 notifications every day. While cell phones help people communicate, using them too much can affect sleep quality, mental health, and even create safety risks.

Families play a critical role in supporting the reduction of cell phone use for Ohio’s students. By reducing cell phone usage at home and supporting school cell phone policies, families help their children focus on learning and well-being.

Talking to Children About Cell Phones 

Discussing cell phone use openly allows families to consider advantages and disadvantages and set up expectations for technology use together. Parents and caregivers can use some of the strategies below to support safe and healthy habits.

  • Use open-ended questions that help children think about how cell phones and media usage impacts them.
  • Set clear guidelines for when and where cell phones can be used.
  • Talk about why youth are using their phones - whether it's connecting with friends, playing games, or coping with stress.
  • Highlight the benefits of reducing cell phone usage and overall screen time, including stronger peer relationships and better self-regulation strategies. 
  • Talk regularly about online safety and digital footprints - remind children not to share personal information and encourage them to speak up if something online worries them.
  • Discuss online safety often. Remind children not to share personal information and encourage them to report anything concerning that they see online.
  • Create rules around media usage, such as balancing screen time, setting content boundaries, and protecting privacy.
  • Review school policies regularly and encourage respectful, policy-aligned communication habits.

Strategies to Reduce Cell Phone Use Outside of School 

Families can encourage healthy habits, helping children thrive at school and home. Along with open communication, families may try the strategies below to support their children's wellness.

  • Take a pledge with other parents to wait until at least eighth grade to give children a smart cell phone. 
  • Regularly update family media plans and establish rules and boundaries to promote safe digital citizenship. Involve children as participants in the creation of family media plans. 
  • Encourage screen-free activities like exploring outside, taking a walk, trying a new sport, or learning to play an instrument.
  • Create rules for nighttime screen use, including keeping phones out of bedrooms. Create calming, screen-free nighttime routines like reading.
  • Become familiar with the apps and social media children use, decide if they're appropriate, and set boundaries when necessary. It's important to stay up to date on online content, regularly talk about what children might encounter online, and provide ongoing support and guidance. 
  • Use parental controls and stay updated on social media trends. Parents can collaborate with their children to adjust notifications, set app time limits, and manage device usage.
  • Use communication methods approved by the school when reaching out to children during the school day.
  • Model responsible cell phone use by limiting usage, monitoring habits, and avoiding unnecessary phone activities. 

Communicating During Emergency Situations

Schools have policies and procedures for student safety and communication when emergencies arise. Schools can actively engage parents and families to gather input and discuss how such situations will be handled. It is important for schools to clearly communicate their emergency contact protocols and other important information should an emergency occur.

Schools can help parents and students understand the rules about cell phone use during emergencies. If students are allowed to use their phones, schools must include this exception in their emergency management plan.

Parents and families may also need to reach their children during the school day for personal emergencies. Schools can establish and share procedures for these communications with families to address them promptly and ensure students receive relevant information and support.

For non-emergency situations, such as changes in schedules, pick-up or drop-off arrangements, or forgotten items, schools can establish communication protocols.

Mindful Cell Phone Use for Students

Students can take steps to be more mindful of their cell phone usage to build healthy habits.  

  • Balance online and offline activities. Spend time creating, learning or connecting with others rather than scrolling. Choose alternative activities like reading a book, volunteering, playing a sport, getting outside, learning an instrument, or creating art. 
  • Create phone-free routines. Put your phone away during meals, homework, and before bed and focus on being present.  
  • Protect your sleep and keep your phone out of your bedroom or across the room at night so it doesn’t interrupt rest.  
  • Check in with yourself about your phone habits. Reset your phone usage if your screen time is negatively impacting your sleep, mood, friendships, or goals. 
  • Be selective about what you post online. It is often public and can be stored permanently.  
  • ​Protect yourself and others by not participating in cyberbullying. Reach out for help from a trusted friend or adult if you or someone you know is being negatively affected by social media.  

Resources for Families 

Other Toolkit Resources 

Model Policy Administrators School and
District Supports Students with Disabilities School Safety

Last Modified: 7/21/2026 3:27:08 PM