Safe at School®

School Cell Phone Ban/Restrictions Information and Resources

As the 2024–2025 school year begins, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is aware of school cell phone ban/restriction laws and policies that are being implemented in schools. States and school districts need to exempt students who require smart devices to manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes. You can find some relevant resources below. If your child is having challenges with cell phone access at school, please contact us at 1-800-DIABETES or email AskADA@diabetes.org.

Resources:

• Information on Students with Diabetes Access to Smart Devices: Information to help advocate for student with diabetes access to smart devices at school to manage their diabetes.
• Enacted Statewide School Cell Phone Restrictions Laws and Policies: Use this chart to find state level cell phone restrictions. 
• Student Smart Phone Access Card: This card will help students to make sure they can access their devices to manage their diabetes.

Overview

Diabetes must be managed 24/7, and for children with diabetes, that includes time spent at school or school-sponsored activities like field trips and extracurricular activities, in child care programs, and at summer camp or recreational programs. Our Safe at School campaign works to make sure the diabetes management needs of children are met so they are healthy and safe and able to enjoy the same opportunities as their peers.

Federal law gives students the right to receive the diabetes care they need to be safe and participate in school activities just like any other child. Schools should provide the following:

• Trained staff to monitor blood glucose (blood sugar) levels and administer insulin and glucagon
• Trained staff to provide diabetes care during field trips, extracurricular events, and all school-sponsored activities
• Capable students permitted to self-manage their diabetes anytime, anywhere

Schools should not:

• Make family members go to school to care for a student’s diabetes
• Transfer students to a different school to get needed diabetes care
• Prevent students with diabetes from participating in field trips, sports, and other school-sponsored activities

Read about your child’s rights under Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal laws.

Resources

Learn more about legal protections, written care plans, training, help for schools, and more.

Need more help?

If you have more questions about your child's rights or need help with ongoing problems related to diabetes care at school, call us at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or send an email to AskADA@diabetes.org. Our Center for Information will ask you a few questions about your issue and send your request to the Legal Advocate Program for review and the provision of information and guidance.

While the ADA attempts to ensure that all legal information is accurate and current, this general legal information is not a substitute for individualized legal advice, particularly in relation to information related to state or local laws or regulations. The law may change or have additional exceptions or interpretations. The ADA and its employees are not responsible for any negative results arising from improper reliance on the above information. For detailed and individualized legal advice or representation, contact a locally licensed attorney.