SEND and Medical Needs

As a multi-agency team working across education, health, and the community and voluntary sector, this is one of the areas we have spent the most time discussing, reflecting on and, at times, finding most challenging.

For many children and young people with additional needs, smartphones are not just devices; they can be a lifeline, supporting communication, providing reassurance, helping with regulation, and in some cases, meeting essential medical needs. Because of this, conversations about reducing or changing smartphone use can feel overwhelming, and sometimes unrealistic.

We are not here to preach or tell you what to do. We are here to support you to make informed, confident decisions, especially if you are starting to feel concerned about your child’s screen use but also need to ensure that their needs continue to be met safely.

Many parents and carers tell us they feel caught in the middle, trying to balance independence, safety, wellbeing and development, often with conflicting advice from different places and professionals. This page is about helping you with those tensions, not adding to them.

Safeguarding Children With SEND

Children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be particularly vulnerable online. Some may find it harder to recognise risks, understand social cues, identify manipulation, or know when and how to seek help. For this reason, online safety and safeguarding should be an important consideration for parents and carers.

While technology can bring many benefits, it is important that children are supported to use it safely, with appropriate supervision, clear boundaries and age-appropriate parental controls.

(For help with safeguarding or to report a concern please visit our report it resource here)

Neurodiversity & Technology

For many neurodivergent children and young people, technology can be incredibly supportive.

It can provide structure and predictability, offer a space where interests can be explored deeply, and support communication in ways that feel more accessible than face-to-face interaction. For some, it reduces anxiety and creates a sense of control in a world that can feel overwhelming.

At the same time, not all digital experiences are good. Fast-paced apps, games and social media are often highly stimulating and designed to hold attention. For children who may already experience differences in attention, processing or impulse control, this can make it harder to disengage from devices or shift focus to other tasks.

This does not mean technology is the problem. It means that how it is used matters, and that some types of use may be more helpful than others.

To find out more about accessibility, sensory support and how technology affects our brains, please visit our resources page here.

Sensory Regulation

It is very common for children to use devices as a way to regulate. Screens can offer distraction, predictability and a sense of calm in moments which are stressful, which can be incredibly valuable.

However, there are times when screen use can have the opposite effect, particularly when content is fast-moving, highly stimulating or used for long periods. Some children may become more dysregulated after use, or find it harder to transition away from devices, especially if they have become a primary coping strategy.

Sleep is another important part of this picture. Many children with SEND already experience differences in sleep patterns, and smartphone use, particularly in the evening, can add an extra layer of challenge. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with the body’s natural sleep rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep. At the same time, engaging content can keep the brain alert when it would otherwise be winding down.

When sleep is disrupted, the effects are often felt the next day. Children may find it harder to concentrate, regulate their energy, or engage with learning. Over time, this can have a wider impact on development and day-to-day functioning.

For some families, the focus is not on removing devices, but on gently shaping routines, such as reducing use before bed, creating calmer evening patterns, or introducing alternative ways to support regulation alongside technology.

Medical Needs Considerations

For some children and young people, smartphones are essential.

They may be used to monitor health conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions, support medication routines, or enable communication with carers and professionals. In these situations, a device that enables apps is not optional, it is part of keeping a child safe and well.

Because of this, the conversation is not about removal, but about balance. Many families we work with are exploring how to ensure their child continues to have access to the tools they need, while reducing exposure to areas that may be less helpful, such as unrestricted internet access or social media.

There are now options available that sit between a basic phone and a fully open smartphone. Some devices allow access to specific apps or functions, while limiting features such as browsing or social media. For some families, this can offer a helpful middle ground, maintaining safety and accessibility, while reducing some of the risks associated with wider smartphone use.

To see our reccomendations for alternatives to smartphones, click here.

Accessibility and Sensory Support

Many devices now include built-in accessibility features that can support children and young people with SEND. These can include visual supports, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, communication tools, guided access settings, screen readers, sensory adjustments and features designed to reduce distraction.

Parents and carers looking for information on accessibility tools, communication supports and sensory-friendly technology can visit our Accessibility and Sensory Support Resources Page, where we have gathered trusted information and guidance to help families find options that may work for their child.

Click here to find out more.

SEND & Medical Needs

Safeguarding Children With SEND

Neurodiversity & Technology

Sensory Regulation

Medical Needs Considerations

Accessibility and Sensory Support