Please see below the new policy for our Group around the use of mobile phones and other smart devices, which has come into effect immediately:
12th Andover (West) Scout Group – Mobile Phone and Smart Device Policy
The intention of this policy is to ensure a consistent approach to the use of mobile phones and internet-enabled (smart) devices by young people when taking part in Scout activities, ultimately to ensure the safety of all members. For the purposes of this policy, the phrase ‘mobile phones’ includes all smart devices other than watches.
Policy Summary
Mobile phones should not be taken on camps, to activities or to weekly meetings, both in and outside of the scout hut. They may only be used when permission has been given by section leaders. They should not be brought to meetings unless by prior agreement. The exception to this is for smart watches, which may be worn and used solely for the purpose of telling the time.
Justification
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 so parents can contact the activity leader in the event of an emergency. 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. This particularly applies to cases of homesickness. Members must 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. Our primary resource for numbers is OSM (Online Scout Manager). We strongly encourage parents to ensure that contact details, emergency and temporary contact details are always updated in OSM. Parents can do this via Parent Portal.
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 safeguarding or even child protection issues. This is particularly true if photographs are taken without consent or are inappropriate and then subsequently broadcast on social networks.
3) Activities which young people take part in will often involve actions that could damage mobile phones, such as devices falling onto the ground or getting wet.
4) Our scout group does not have insurance coverage for mobile phones and therefore can not accept any responsibility or liability for this damage. Nor does the Scout Association have insurance cover for mobile phones.
5) In meetings, on activities or events, mobile phones can be a distraction. When a leadership team has spent time organising and planning an activity, such distractions can be disruptive.
Parents’/Guardians’ Responsibilities
Parents can help us avoid potential problems by ensuring their young person does not arrive for a camp, outdoor activity or section meeting 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 on OSM for the young person, including emergency contacts. If a young person is found in possession of a phone, they will be withdrawn from the session/event, and parents will be asked to collect them immediately. 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 or contact the Group Lead Volunteer.