Commentary
Inspecting Bags
Unless you are a parent of the participant whose bag is to be searched, the random inspection of young people’s possessions could constitute a breach of privacy and certainly shows a breach of trust. If an adult leader has probable cause to believe that the young person is in possession of drugs, alcohol, or other illegal or immoral materials, that adult leader, in the presence of another cleared adult, may ask the young person to empty the contents of his/her pockets and/or bags in front of the two chaperons. Adult leaders may, at no time, personally search the young person or his/her bags.
Collecting Personal Electronic Devices
In this age of instant connection, young persons will often arrive to a parish or diocesan event with a cell phone and perhaps other personal electronic devices. These can become a distraction and allow the young people to be virtually present elsewhere.
CYM makes no requirements about banning cell phones or other personal electronic devices, although parishes and schools are free to do so.
The alternative to collection is education. Young people should be invited to an understanding regarding the ministry of presence and the importance of putting away modern technology in favor of being physically and emotionally present to the experience for which they have gathered.
In some cases, however, it is appropriate to collect cell phones and MP3 players. Retreats, for instance, provide an opportunity for technology-free experiences. When personal electronic devices are collected, the adult leaders become responsible for these items so care must be taken to keep the devices safe. In addition, if adult leaders plan to collect personal electronic devices, the parents of participants should be notified ahead of time and time should be given during the event when the devices are returned to the young people for a specified amount of time.
When cell phones are collected, and even when they are not, adult leaders should provide an emergency contact number to parents of participants. Parents should be instructed to contact the adults with news of a family emergency rather than calling the young person directly.
Any restrictions placed on young people regarding personal electronic devices extend to adult leaders in ministry as well. If adult leaders in ministry encourage the young people to present to an experience then those adult leaders should be equally present. Cell phone use by adults during ministry activities and events should be limited to that which is necessary for the activity or event. Coordinating with a bus driver, for example, for pick up after an event would be appropriate. Texting personal messages or making phone calls not related to the event models inappropriate behavior.