{"id":9124,"date":"2025-08-05T07:23:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T11:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/type1support.ca\/cell-phone-bans-in-schools-not-for-children-with-type-1-diabetes-no\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T14:06:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T18:06:52","slug":"cell-phone-bans-in-schools-not-for-children-with-type-1-diabetes-no","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/type1support.naracreative.com\/en\/cell-phone-bans-in-schools-not-for-children-with-type-1-diabetes-no\/","title":{"rendered":"Cell phone bans in schools: not for children with type 1 diabetes, no!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Published September 2024, updated June 2025<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The use of cell phones in classrooms has been banned in several provinces. Cell phones should therefore be left in bags or boxes when entering the classroom or left in the student’s locker.<\/span><\/p>\n

But, what if your child lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D) uses a <\/span>continuous glucose monitor (CGM)<\/span><\/a> and a cell phone to keep track of their blood sugar? Will they have to follow this new directive?<\/span><\/p>\n

No. When used for medical reasons, cell phones are accepted in class. Of course, the cell phone must only be used to that end!<\/span><\/p>\n

A Canada-wide(ish) directive<\/b><\/h2>\n

In Ontario (as of November 2019), Quebec (as of January 1, 2024), British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada (as of September 2024), cell phones are officially no longer allowed anywhere, anytime in most schools. Only the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nunavut have yet to legislate this issue. In some provinces, the ban extends as far as smartwatches, headphones and other personal electronic devices.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, in Quebec, the use of cell phones, headphones and other personal devices is prohibited in classrooms in schools and vocational training centers that provide preschool, primary and secondary level education.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Ontario, cell phones are banned all day long for students in kindergarten to grade 6, while high school students are allowed to use them except during class time. However, they don\u2019t have access to social media websites on the school network and devices.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Alberta, all personal electronic devices must be left in the child’s locker or school bag during class. Access to social networks is also blocked on school premises.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure to check the guidelines in your province, as well as at your child’s school, as they may implement stricter rules than the provincial recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Health issues are the exception<\/b><\/h2>\n

Children who require a cell phone to manage a medical condition (e.g., diabetes) will be allowed to bring their cell phones to class, as indicated in the provincial guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, to ensure that your child can indeed have his cell phone within reach at all times, it’s best to meet with the school staff (nurses, teachers, principal) and to include it in the <\/span>personalized care plan<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Ontario, where cell phones have been banned in schools since 2019, parents or guardian simply have to indicate in writing that the device is being used to manage diabetes in order for it to be authorized during school hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you encounter any difficulties or if your request is denied, contact your school board. In Quebec, for example, school service centers are responsible for communicating the terms and conditions of the directive to students and parents.<\/span><\/p>\n

You could also ask your doctor to sign an authorization form to ensure that your child has access to their cell phone at school. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has published a <\/span>wallet card on electronic device management<\/span><\/a> that you can use. Diab\u00e8te Qu\u00e9bec is working on its version also. You can have it signed by your doctor and submit it to the school, or even slip it in your child\u2019s school bag, pockets or <\/span>emergency kit<\/span><\/a> .<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s also possible to use a receiver (available with Dexcom or Freestyle) rather than a cell phone during school hours. Please note, however, that some receivers don\u2019t allow the sharing of blood sugar data.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

References:<\/b><\/h3>\n