Mobile Phone Usage Policy
This page is merely an easy to digest copy of the official PDF document.
Phones should be switched off or on silent and kept away during Scout meetings and activities unless a Leader gives permission to use them.
Young People
• Beavers and Cubs should normally not bring a mobile phone.
• Scouts may bring a phone, but it must remain in a pocket or bag during meetings.
• Smartwatches and other devices should not be used for messaging, games or social media during activities.
• Leaders may allow phones where they are useful for an activity.
• Young people should to a Leader if they need to contact a parent/carer.
Parents, Carers and Visitors
To help protect the privacy and safeguarding of all young people:
• Parents, carers and visitors should not use mobile phones during section meetings, activities or events unless authorised by a Leader.
• Photographs or videos of young people must not be taken without permission from a Leader.
• Phones must never be used to photograph or record young people in changing areas, toilets or other private areas.
• Where phone use is necessary for an emergency or another genuine reason, please speak to a Leader first where practical.
• Leaders may ask anyone using a phone inappropriately to put it away or stop recording.
These rules apply even when a parent or carer is attending an activity with their own child, as photographs or recordings may include other young people.
Camps and Nights Away
Mobile phones and other electronic devices are not allowed on camps.
Responsibility
Phones and electronic devices are brought to Scouts at the owner's risk. 1st Bourne End Scout Group cannot accept responsibility for loss, theft or accidental damage.
Reasonable adjustments will be made where a young person needs access to a device for medical, accessibility or additional-needs reasons.
This is 1st Bourne Ends Policy, serious concerns will be dealt with under The Scouts' safeguarding procedures.
At Scouts we want young people taking part, learning skills and having fun – not sitting on their phones.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Sam Samuel
Group Lead Volunteer