Scouts speak up about cellphone use at events

One of the topics that generates more discussion than most is the role of cell phones at camp and on activities.

In my role as Chief Safeguarding Officer, I asked a group of Scouts to consider this issue carefully — not to arrive at a single answer, but to offer their perspective on a complex and evolving part of youth experience.

I’m proud of their work. It reflects balance, maturity, and sound judgment — recognizing both the benefits of technology and the importance of protecting the experiences that define Scouting.

This is not policy; it is perspective — and an important contribution.

At the same time, we should be clear: safeguarding in today’s environment includes the digital one. Empowering young people to make good decisions about technology is an essential part of prevention. Equally important is ensuring they know they can seek help — early and without hesitation — if something goes wrong online or through their devices.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will our approach — identifying where additional safeguarding expectations are required, and where flexibility, informed by youth voice and grounded in Scouting’s values, remains appropriate.

I hope this helps units have thoughtful, productive conversations with their Scouts.With social media and rapidly advancing technology becoming more accessible, it’s not uncommon to see cellphones at Scout events. As members of the 2025-26 National Youth Council cohort, we were tasked with considering this issue.

We recognize that Scouts and Scouters across Scouting America have different views on electronic use. This article shares our perspective and aims to help troops succeed in making thoughtful decisions.

Introduction written by Glen Pounder

With social media and rapidly advancing technology becoming more accessible, it’s not uncommon to see cellphones at Scout events. As members of the 2025-26 National Youth Council cohort, we were tasked with considering this issue.

Most volunteers, parents, and Scouts agree that cell phones provide plenty of benefits:

• Safety and communication, especially in backcountry settings
• Navigation tools such as GPS
• Access to information for ranks and merit badges
• The ability to take photos and document experiences
• Communication with parents when appropriate

But of course, challenges exist as well:

• Distractions that reduce engagement
• Fewer opportunities to develop hands-on skills independently
• Overreliance on technology
• Social media risks such as cyberbullying or inappropriate behavior
• Reduced focus on the outdoor experience
• Can contribute to increased homesickness or dependence if used excessively to stay in contact with home.

When deciding how to moderate phone usage, consider things like whether polices vary by event or need to be consistent. Think about the Scouts’ age, too: Should older ones have more access due to the responsibilities they might have at the event? Should younger Scouts have more access for learning needs?

The decision does not have to be based on age alone; individual circumstances matter, too. Homesickness and communication with parents, school requirements, and personal or medical needs should be thoughtfully considered by each troop when creating a policy.

Clear rules are important — but so is applying them fairly and with good judgment. Many troops take a middle-ground approach, by allowing limited phone time (for example, before bed); establishing clear expectations, with flexibility for specific needs; and taking age and maturity into account.

Think about the different devices — smartwatches, tablets, laptops, etc. — as well. These tools serve different purposes and might require slightly different approaches.

Policies may also benefit from being revisited regularly (for example, every 6 to 12 months) as technology and needs evolve.

One principle stands out: Include youth in decision-making. When Scouts are involved, policies feel like shared agreements rather than imposed rules, understanding and accountability improve, and outcomes are generally stronger.

In fact, we can hear from Scouts themselves:

Abigail, Life Scout (New Hampshire). My troop has a loose cellphone policy — we verbally discourage overuse, but there’s no clear expectation of what that limit actually is. I’ve seen the impact of this vagueness firsthand: less engagement and a diminished sense of Scout spirit. At the same time, I recognize the value in flexibility. Older Scouts, myself included, benefit from using phones for schoolwork and for learning connected to merit badges. Clear expectations around when and how devices are used would help strike a better balance.

Javier, Eagle Scout (Hawaii). Coming from a very loose policy, I see both the problems and the benefits. Phones can be essential for learning and accessing information outdoors. At the same time, they can take away from time spent outside with friends, which is one of the main reasons I go on campouts. I think there should be clear times when phones are allowed—and times when they are not.

Emily, Eagle Scout (Tennessee). My troop follows a strict no-cellphone policy on campouts. That helps us stay present with each other and with nature. Still, I think some limited time — especially on longer campouts — could be helpful.

Blake, Life Scout (Indiana). Rather than a blanket ban, I think policies should define appropriate use. There are situations where phones are necessary, but having constant access can reduce participation and connection. Scouts should be encouraged both to use phones as a resource when needed and to prioritize being present.

There are no absolutes in this issue. Cellphones are not entirely good or entirely bad. Each troop’s approach will reflect its needs, its Scouts and its context.

The goal should always be the same: Ensure that phones do not take away from the magic of Scouting — while still meeting the needs of today’s Scouts.

Photo illustration by Spencer Platt/Getty Images