Proposed Cell Phone Policy

Cell phone have become a ubiquitous part of today’s society.  Many of our Scouts carry their phones with them to Troop meetings and events.  These phones can be a tool to help the contact parents, store information, or look things up to complete rank and merit badge requirements.  They can also be a distraction at meetings and isolate Scouts from one another.

We recognize that it is unrealistic to ban cell phones from Troop meetings and events, but our leadership has decided that we need to set clear expectations of how cell phones should be used during Troop functions.  Below is a proposed cell phone policy.  We invite Scouts and Parents / Guardians to provide their feedback to their youth leaders, the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair before November 19, 2023.  The official policy will be adopted in the November 21 PLC meeting.

Proposed Cel Phone Policy

• Troop 457 and its leadership are NOT responsible for the cell phone if it is lost, stolen, or damaged during Scout activities.
• Cell phones are a Scouts personal property (just like their tent and camping gear).  It is the Scout’s responsibility to keep track of the phone. If a cell phone is lost during a scout activity the Troop will not spend a large amount of time looking for it.
• Scouts should not be on their cell phones during Troop Meetings unless explicitly needed for the activity.  Cell phones will only be used during down times at Troop meetings and events and should never be a disruption to troop activities.
• Cell phones will NOT be taken into restrooms, shower facilities for any reason (charging, private phone calls, or for pictures/video). This is a violation of Youth Protection.
• No pictures or videos will be posted by Scouts on any social media site without the permission of the person in the picture or video.  The Troop is permitted to post photos / videos to the Troop social media accounts and TroopTrack.
• Use of the cell phone should follow the 12 points of the Scout Law. Inappropriate content should not be accessed.
• Cyber bullying is prohibited and will not be tolerated.
• Adult leadership will NOT provide their vehicles or other means for charging of cell phones. 
• No music playing at any time, especially at night. Earbuds are to be worn to not disturb others.