Questions you might ask a group to consider:
- Are staff allowed to use personal phones or devices during program time? In what situations?
- How do we prevent inappropriate or private communication with participants via text, social media, or other platforms?
- What are our rules around taking photos, videos, or audio recordings of participants?
- How do we balance the practical use of technology with the need for supervision and engagement?
- What’s our process for addressing concerns around digital boundaries?
Discussion items:
These are items you might use to guide a discussion around electronic devices relating to behavior expectations in child or vulnerable adult-serving organizations:
Adults may not use personal electronic devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.) for private communication with children or vulnerable adults. All communication must go through approved organizational channels or platforms.
We understand that in many families and communities, text messaging and casual digital communication are normal. In a care or supervisory setting, however, private messages between adults and participants can blur boundaries and create serious risk.
Taking photos, videos, or audio recordings of participants on personal devices is strictly prohibited. Even if intended for positive use, this creates privacy risks and potential for misuse.
We recognize that documenting activities can be part of programming. When appropriate, organizations must use designated devices and follow clear consent, storage, and access protocols.
No adult may have their phone out during direct supervision unless required for a program-related task. Personal device use during programming creates a distraction and undermines supervision quality.
We understand that emergencies happen. Adults may carry phones but must excuse themselves to use them unless their role requires real-time communication (e.g., safety staff).
Social media contact between adults and participants is not allowed under any circumstances. This includes friend requests, follows, likes, or private messages—before, during, or after the program relationship.
We acknowledge that some staff and volunteers may work in multiple roles, including coaching or mentoring outside the organization. In these cases, all communication policies of the highest-risk environment must apply, defaulting to the strictest standard.
Personal devices may not be used to play music, show videos, or access online content unless pre-approved by the organization. Adults are responsible for ensuring that all media used is age-appropriate and risk-screened.
When in doubt, leave your device out of reach and out of sight. Devices are tools, not personal extensions. Their use in supervision settings must always be deliberate, minimal, and policy-compliant.