The intention of this policy is to ensure a consistent approach to the use of mobile phones 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 Scout Hut.

Smart devices may only be used when permission has been given by section leaders. They should not be brought to meetings unless by prior agreement.

Justification

The reasons for this policy are:

1. Within the rules of the Scout Association, we have a strict procedure for contacting parents 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, either directly or via a home contact, should the need arise.

A mobile phone gives members the opportunity to contact their parents directly, bypassing the role of Leaders. Undue distress may be caused on the part of the parent 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 leader 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.

3. Phones can be a major distraction during meetings and can cause disruption to the entire section when used to take calls, messaging, playing games or listening to music. This makes it difficult to run a safe, exciting and educational programme.

Exceptions

On rare occasions – e.g. digital citizen badges, mobile use may be encouraged for a specific purpose, advance notice would be given of these sessions as it will usually requires the downloading of a specific App – e.g. OS Maps, 3D Knots etc. However, the decision to equip children with mobile phones rests entirely with parents. No child will be disadvantaged at Scouts by not having one.

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 switched off on arrival. 1st Kibworth Scout Group take no responsibility for any theft, damage or misuse of any person’s mobile phone. We do not hold insurance for mobile phones and young people bring them at their own risk.

Parents/Guardians Responsibilities

Parents can help us avoid these problems by ensuring their child does not arrive for a camp or outdoor activity with their phone. It is also the responsibility of the young person’s parents to ensure that the group has up to date contact details for the young person, including emergency contacts.

If a young person is found using a phone, they will be subject to the discipline actions as stated in our Behaviour Policy.

Concerns and Questions

If you wish to discuss any matters arising from this policy, please speak to a Leader, who will be happy to advise further.