Employment laws and regulations can vary by country and region, so it's essential to consult with a legal professional familiar with the laws in your specific jurisdiction for accurate advice.
In many places, employers do have some rights to establish certain policies and rules within the workplace, including rules about the use of personal electronic devices like cellphones. However, such policies are typically created to ensure productivity, maintain a safe work environment, and prevent distractions. Employers may have legitimate reasons to prohibit or limit cellphone use during working hours.
However, when it comes to situations involving employees with children with disabilities, employers may need to provide reasonable accommodations to comply with disability laws. Reasonable accommodations are adjustments made in the workplace to help employees with disabilities perform their job duties or access benefits and privileges of employment.
If having access to your cellphone is necessary for your child's safety and well-being due to their disability and severe panic attacks, you may be able to request a reasonable accommodation from your employer. This could involve having access to your phone during specific times or using it for emergency purposes related to your child's condition.
To address this issue, it's essential to talk to your employer or your company's human resources department. Be open about your child's disability, how panic attacks can happen, and how your ability to respond promptly can mitigate the situation. Discuss the possibility of a reasonable accommodation, such as limited use of your phone during working hours for emergency situations related to your child's well-being.
In many countries, there are laws protecting employees with disabilities from discrimination and requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations, but specific details and requirements can vary. If you encounter resistance or feel that your employer is not complying with the law, consider seeking advice from a legal professional or an employment rights organization to understand your rights and options better.