Cell Phones in Schools: Supports for Students with Disabilities and Special Considerations

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recognizes that all students need to be supported to thrive in their academic settings. While cell phone use is prohibited during the instructional day, there are situations where students may need access to their cell phones for educational or medical reasons. An “instructional day” is any period of time in which a student is expected to be in attendance and includes not only formal instruction time but also supervised activities, such as transitioning between classes, recess, meal periods, and field trips.

Students with Disabilities  

Students identified with a disability pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and supported by an individualized education program (IEP) or a 504 plan may have additional educational needs than their peers.  

  • If a student's IEP or 504 plan includes cell phone use, the student must be allowed to use it as specified.  
  • When developing students’ IEPs or 504 plans, teams should clearly define the need and parameters for cell phone use.  
  • Schools and districts should ensure that students, families, and educational teams understand the cell phone use guidelines in the IEP or 504 plan for optimal learning conditions. 

Students with Medical Needs 

Students may have medical needs that require the use of a cell phone during the instructional day. 

  • ​Students providing a written statement from their physician must be allowed to use their cell phone to monitor or address a health concern.  

  • Schools and districts should work with students and families to implement an individual health plan consistent with the student’s provider’s orders to enable the student’s access to and use of their cell phone. If a student needs to use a cell phone for medical reasons, an individual health care plan should be developed with the student, family, and school health team (such as the school nurse, medical monitor, or an administrator) and shared with all staff members who may interact with a student using their cell phone for these purposes. 

    The plan may include: 

    • When, where, and how the student will use their cell phone. 

      • Using the cell phone for tracking a medical condition and responding with treatment pursuant to the student's provider's orders (for example, Diabetes Management) 

      • Enabling and documenting medication administration (for example Diabetes or Asthma) 
    • ​Any other details needed for the student to appropriately manage their health needs. 

Resources 

Other Toolkit Resources 

Model Policy Administrators School and
District Supports Families School Safety

Last Modified: 8/14/2025 1:32:15 PM