No matter what organization, scouts should always practice safety when online.
- Turn off the screen or use the back button immediately if inappropriate content ever comes across, suspicious pop-ups appear, or people online make you uncomfortable.
- Know how to immediately report if you find inappropriate content, suspicious pop-ups appear, or people online make you uncomfortable to a trusted adult or organization.
- Know what is okay to share and what is not.
- Know who to trust.
- Create strong passwords and usernames.
A trusted adult or organization should
- Stay calm and listen without judgement when you report.
- Answer any questions you have.
- Respect your boundaries.
- Reassure you it is not your fault.
- The trusted adult should report it to additional authorities if needed.
Make sure you check your online safety requirements of the organization you belong to!
- GSUSA Internet Safety Pledge
- Scouting America Digital Safety
- AHG – Protecting Young Eyes & Minds Online
- Trail Life USA – Child Safety Youth Protection
Dive Deeper into Cybersecurity:
- How to tell what is inappropriate content
- What is okay to share and what is not AND who to trust
- Layers of Cybersecurity
- Parts of a Computer
References
“Be Safer Online with NetSmartz!” Missingkids.org, 2025, go.missingkids.org/internet-safety-presentation-for-parents. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
“Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.” Boy Scouts of America, 23 Jan. 2025, www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/digital-safety-and-online-scouting-activities/. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
“Internet Safety Pledge.” Girl Scouts of the USA, 2016, http://www.girlscouts.org/en/footer/help/internet-safety-pledge.html. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
The Badge Archive 