Mobile Phone Policy
The intention of this policy is to provide a consistent approach to the use of mobile phone and internet-enabled devices by young people when taking part in Scout activities, ultimately to ensure the safety of all members.
Policy Summary
Mobile phones should not be taken on camps, activities or to weekly meetings both in and outside of the Workshop. Smart devices may only be used when permission has been given by section leaders. With regard to weekly meetings, phones can become a source of disruption with constant interruptions by taking calls, texting, playing games or listening to music. This makes it very difficult to run an exciting, educational, and safe programmes.
Justification
The reasons for this are two-fold:
1) Within the rules of the Scout Association, we have a strict procedure for contacting parents/carers, or the relevant authorities should accidents or problems arise on an activity or camp. Mobile phones can compromise this procedure. Every camp/activity has an official telephone number for you to contact (in the event of an emergency) the activity leader. The activity leader is also able to contact parents/carers, either directly or via a home contact, should the need arise.
A mobile phone gives members the opportunity to contact their parents/carers directly, bypassing the role of Leaders. Undue distress may be caused on the part of the parent/carer and/or their child concerning incidents leaders may know nothing about it. This particularly applies to cases of homesickness. It is important that members use a leader as their first point of contact for any concerns or problems they have so that the leadership team can work to resolve these issues. Leaders will then arrange to contact parents via the official channels as and when necessary.
2) Now that most phones have cameras and internet access, there is the potential for actions taken by young people, however innocent the intent, to be misinterpreted, leading unintentionally to Child Protection issues. This is particularly true if photographs are taken without consent or are inappropriate and then subsequently broadcast on social networks.
Exceptions
Very occasionally Scouts and Explorers may be asked to bring a phone to specific events, particularly if they are alone. If so, they will be wrapped securely in a plastic bag and used for emergency calls only. In short, if you have not been asked to, do not bring a phone.
We are aware that some members arrive for meetings alone and parents wish them to carry phones for safety reasons. In these situations, please ensure phones are switched off or handed to a leader at the start of the evening (switched off) and they will be stored and returned at the end.
Parent/Carer Responsibilites
Parents/carers can help us avoid these problems by ensuring their child does not arrive for a camp or outdoor activity with their phone.
If a young person is found using a phone, the phone will be confiscated and placed in safe place and returned at the end of the camp and the parent/carer alerted. The safety of every member is the responsibility of the leaders, and they will always have their own form of emergency contact, should problems arise. Young people should not take on this responsibility.
Concerns and Questions
If you wish to discuss any matters arising from this policy, please speak to a section leader, who will be happy to advise further.