Girlguides - is it a lost cause?

@Beamur I’d expect the children to be supervised to the level that ensures they aren’t having sex as they are at home.

In all seriousness, didn't people on here experience anything like school field trips, ski trips etc? If you put a bunch of teenagers in close proximity, I would say that the chances of a teen 'romance' of some kind is pretty high! So, what would you, if you are a parent, prefer teachers and guide/scout leaders to do? These kind of trips foster and encourage independence, so it's unlikely that the kids will be micro managed to the nth degree and if they are determined, will find a way to meet other teens.
DD's Leaders make their expectations clear - they're not allowed to go onto the camping areas of other groups and are not allowed to have people in their tents. They also keep them insanely busy all day! Opportunity to meet boys/girls is very low. But not 100%

A teacher would be sacked (at least) if he or she facilitated underage sex between pupils, nevermind between a pupil and an adult.

That's a very good point. What would a teacher do if a child asked them if they had any contraception?
Any teachers here?

Another type of sleepover not to trust evidently.

DD's Leaders don't encourage or facilitate the opportunity to have sex, but a degree of socialising is likely to happen sometimes and they can't be with the all of the girls all of the time, they do have a degree of freedom on camps.

A lot of residentials will be on Scout camps, so very likely that teenage boys will be around.
My DD went on an international trip with GG and the Leaders sent out a letter beforehand with various information for parents, including that they would not be taking any contraception and asked parents to communicate that to their girls ahead of the trip. I reckon that's a good approach - makes the parents aware that it's a possibility (i.e boys will be present) but puts the onus back on the family to talk about this ahead of going away. Leaders are not taking decisions or responsibility away from the girls and their parents.

I've just seen the stuff about condoms. Even if no boys or men were in the GG, what on earth is happening on the trips that underage girls need contraception? Factoring in males being present and it becomes horrific. Surely it's basic safeguarding for a guide leader to protect girls in their care from underage sex and abuse? A teacher would be sacked (at least) if he or she facilitated underage sex between pupils, nevermind between a pupil and an adult.

If I remember correctly, wasn't this policy the one that ended up suggesting sturdy pyjamas? Rather than one to keep males out?

Just when I thought this couldn’t get worse… it did

What should I do if a parent or carer asks me what I know about their child?
If the girl has asked you to keep information confidential and you do not think she is at risk, you should not break her confidence to anyone.

Bloody hell @ChristinaXYZ that link is shocking.

It also encourages leaders to keep secrets with the children under their care, which is a MASSIVE no no for safeguarding.

And it says if under 16s are having sex this is not a safeguarding issue as long as it is consensual. WTAF!!!!!!!???

Who can this be reported to?

Just seen this article state that Monica Sulley replaced Helen Watts
www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/investigation-launched-into-guide-commissioners-social-medi-9227238/

I know Helen is sometimes on here, I’m so sorry Helen They treated you appallingly.

If that article is true that is just such a massive FU from Guiding HQ

Is contraception provided to 13 year olds on school trips? What on earth are GGs thinking, what advice have they taken on this policy. Words fail me.

Does this link back to Stephen Whittle explaining on MN that there were no problems with transgirls going on residentials and sleeping alongside girls so long as the leaders had condoms?

that made it into policy?

barrier contraception on residentials

From 13.

A girls only organisation.

This is completely upsetting. Why would sex be involved in any girl guiding expedition let alone with a 13 year old?

Please would someone explain how it would even come about?

If it's a female only space, so are these girls having sex with??

13???

I've also just seen this where they appear to be lowering the age of consent to 13

"Providing contraception
It is the policy of Girlguiding to make every effort to safeguard its members from physical, sexual and emotional
harm while participating in guiding activities. We recognise that leaders have good knowledge of the girls in their
units and are in the best position to judge whether or not it is appropriate to carry barrier contraception
(for example condoms, female condoms) with them on residential events or keep them at the meeting place.
For girls aged 13 and over
If a unit leadership team decides that it is appropriate to carry barrier contraception with them on residentials,
or to keep them in the meeting place, this is their decision and Girlguiding supports this. Equally, if it is decided
that it is not necessary or required, Girlguiding supports the decision not to store barrier contraception.
It is important for any unit, however, if they decide to store barrier contraception, to make this known to
parents and carers and girls before the event. Before barrier contraception is given to a young member,
Girlguiding requires that a leader should consider the Fraser Guidelines (see page 8).
Regularly check that stored barrier contraception are in date.
For girls aged under 13
Girls aged under 13 should not be given contraception as they are not legally deemed to be capable of consenting
to sexual activity, and in the whole of the UK (except in Jersey), it is an absolute offence to have sex with a girl
under 13 (see ‘The law related to sex and young people’, page 3). In this case, you cannot promise
confidentiality, and you must pass on information if you have reason to believe a girl is having, or is being
pressured to have sex."

www.girlguiding.org.uk/globalassets/docs-and-resources/programme-and-activities/lets-talk-about-sex-and-relationships-advice-for-leaders.pdf

via

this interesting thread

twitter.com/scotlass42/status/1463133285874384900

It may well be appropriate for a doctor who judges a 13-15 year old Gillick competent to give a child contraception I cannot believe it is right for a guide leader to do so. Surely a child who is at risk from sexual coercion/rape (for that's what it is) needs other kinds of support from her parents or social services or the police of all three.

2018

mobile.twitter.com/fairplaywomen/status/1043754338471108610

2021

mobile.twitter.com/Girlguiding/status/1463148343018889222

Dd absolutely adores Brownies and I really don't want to have to pull her out. Has anyone who's a mum of a girl in guiding written a letter of complaint that I could have a look at as a template? Thanks

“ChristinaXYZ
This post has been hidden until the MNHQ team can have a look at it.“

I am not sure what that means as I can see it to read this. So I am going to try asking why does the MNHQ need to look at it? There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with it.