Cell phones – we love them and hate them at the same time. I can’t imagine life without it, but I also have moments of wishing it never existed. The same is true for our kids, but their ability to monitor and control their usage is more challenging given their age.
That’s where unit leaders come in! Every unit needs a cell phone usage policy. You can bring it up with your Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC), with your committee, or your unit leaders. Regardless of the process you choose to figure it out, make sure you have those conversations and devise a plan that fits the culture and needs of your unit. Communicate that policy so all Scouts know the rules, then work together to enforce it.
We at Mountain Valley District know that this topic can make some unit leaders squirm. It’s no fun to encounter a Scout who refuses to follow the policy or get a phone call from an angry parent. It’s why Mountain Valley District put together a Phone Usage Toolkit to help discuss this in committee, with SPLs, and certainly with parents. We are here to support you and hope this toolkit helps units across all districts.
Remember that you can contact your unit commissioner, or any of the Key 3, for help at any time.
