Mobile phones are a way of life these days. Scout units need to think of setting up rules that will help make them less intrusive.
- Pocket computers with all the good & bad information on the world internet.
- Communicator with voice, email, text, and more.
- Entertainment console with gaming, video streaming, and music. (over 80% of you are viewing this on a phone right now…)
- A digital camera with video and high definition photography studio.
- The number one device for generating and consuming any social media.
“No wonder people are addicted to them…”
”Ever been “Google Checked”? – That’s when your teaching or saying something and your student googles for the answers and often gets contradictory information.
“Nomophobia” – The fear of being without a mobile phone.FOMO? – The Fear Of Missing OutOne solution is to establish that your Scout unit is a
“Phone Free Zone”. All mobile phones are silenced or put in “Camp Mode” (Turned off) at meetings, ceremonies, and all outings. This can be backed up with coherence to the Scout Law and the Outdoor Code. – – – Courteous, Kind, and Obedient. – “Be considerate in the outdoors.”
Adults MUST silence their phones at all times or turn them off. [ Be the example, not the exception. ] Some Scout units allow their Scouts to have them in the car or bus on the way to camp. They are turned off and locked up while camping and available again for the return trip. Mobile phones are expensive and a big responsibility. Most summer camps are remote and don’t have good cellular coverage anyway. Scouts that need to use their mobile phone at camp as a camera (cinematograph, movie-making MB). Should check them in and out from an adult leader.
⚠️ Important: I don’t recommend using a mobile phone for “homesick” Scouts to call home. This only increases and escalates the stress on everyone.
Additional information on Smartphone addiction:
📄 HelpGuide Smartphone Addiction PDF: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/smartphone-addiction.htm?pdf=12397