Mobile Phone Policy

Introduction

One of the aims of the expedition section in DofE is to develop self-reliance and self-confidence through isolation and remote supervision, overcoming challenges and managing risk as an independent team of peers. (DofE Expedition Guide)

While mobile phones can be useful, they can also be very detrimental to the aims outlined above. Conversely having time away from screens has huge benefits for the participants. The limited battery life on a phone can cause great distress if the device is being relied on by the participant or their group.

Mobile phones may be taken by the teams for emergency use only. These phones must be fully charged, switched off, kept in sealed bags and packed with first aid kits. These phones will be checked at the end of the expedition.

Teams will need to consider alternative devices for telling the time, setting alarms, recording photos, videos and notes for their team goal.

A note for parents:

• Please do not expect to hear from your daughter for the duration of the expedition.

• Each team will be carrying a GPS tracker, so supervising staff will know their location.

• If there is a need for us to contact you, then the expedition supervisor, or senior member of RHB staff will contact the number held on our system unless you inform us prior to the expedition to contact a different person if you are unavailable.

• If you urgently need to contact your daughter, please contact the expedition supervisor, whose number will have been made available to you. Note that supervisors may be out of signal or unable to answer their phones, for instance if driving.

• If your daughter requires the use of a mobile phone for medical purposes (eg for monitoring blood sugar levels), then please contact the expedition leader in advance of the expedition to discuss this.