The Badge Archive

Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Ambassador Cybersecurity Safeguards badge requirements.

Info Needed for the badge requirements: Your digital footprint reflects your online activity and can impact future college and career opportunities. Colleges and employers often review online history before making decisions. Social media challenges—whether positive like the Ice Bucket Challenge or negative with risky dares—add to your digital presence. Consider how your profile may evolve over time, and control your footprint by keeping accounts private, being mindful about posts, and thinking carefully before sharing anything online.

Items Needed

• Colored chalk or masking tape (to create pathways on the floor or sidewalk).
• Index cards or sheets of paper.
• Pre-made cards with prompts (see list below)
• Markers or pens.
• A large open space (indoors or outdoors).

Before the Meeting

1. Using chalk or masking tape, create a winding path in the activity space.
2. Divide the path into sections labeled as years or milestones (e.g., Current Profile, 5 Years From Now, 10 Years From Now).
3. Place prompts along the pathway to reflect scenarios that could influence their digital footprint.

Instructions

1. Give each scout a set of index cards or paper.
2. Ask them to write down traits or accomplishments they’d like their future digital footprint to reflect. Examples: “Known for sharing helpful resources,” “Has a professional and clean profile,” “Posts thoughtful content.”
3. Scouts walk the pathway with their index cards.
   • When encountering a positive scenario, they place one of their future traits/accomplishments in the pathway section ahead (progressing positively).
   • If they encounter a negative scenario, they must think of a corrective action they could take to limit its impact on their footprint (e.g., deleting the post, apologizing, making privacy adjustments) before they can move forward.

Prompt Suggestions

Positive Scenarios

1. You post thoughtful comments supporting someone’s achievements on social media.
2. You create a blog sharing advice for overcoming challenges in school or hobbies.
3. You share a video you made about volunteering for a community event.
4. You repost an article raising awareness about mental health issues.
5. You engage in a social media challenge that spreads positivity (e.g., sharing acts of kindness).
6. You post educational content or study tips for other students.
7. You share photos from a charity event you attended.
8. You advocate for a cause by joining a social media campaign that promotes social or environmental change.
9. You update your social media to reflect your academic or professional accomplishments.

Negative Scenarios

1. You post a photo with personal information visible in the background (e.g., home address or school name).
2. You share a post mocking or criticizing someone, which leads to negative comments.
3. You like or follow accounts that promote inappropriate or harmful content.
4. You overshare details about your location or daily routine in posts.
5. You participate in a risky or dangerous social media challenge (e.g., posting yourself doing a dare).
6. You use a public Wi-Fi network to share sensitive information.
7. You respond to a heated online argument with negative or harmful language.
8. You forget to update privacy settings, leaving your profile open to strangers.
9. You post photos or videos without the permission of those in the image.

Suggestions for Teens to Write

Here’s a list of traits and accomplishments a teenager scout might write to reflect their ideal future digital footprint:

• Shares educational content to inspire and help others.
• Advocates for social or environmental causes.
• Has a professional profile showcasing achievements and skills.
• Posts positive, uplifting messages that promote kindness and inclusion.
• Known for creating engaging and thoughtful videos or blogs.
• Maintains clean and organized social media accounts.
• Actively participates in online communities that support hobbies or interests.
• Highlights involvement in volunteer work or community service projects.
• Builds a reputation as a trustworthy and responsible digital citizen.
• Networks with like-minded individuals or professionals in their field of interest.
• Recognized for creativity, such as digital art, writing, or music.
• Promotes healthy habits, such as mental health awareness.
• Creates a portfolio showing academic or career-related accomplishments.