Cyber Chip

Today’s youth are spending more time than ever using digital media for education, research, socializing, and fun. To help families and volunteers keep youth safe while online, the Boy Scouts of America introduced the Cyber Chip. In developing this exciting new tool, the BSA teamed up with content expert

 

NetSmartz®, part of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children® and training expert for many law enforcement agencies.

 

Netsmartz® has Cyber Chip resources, including grade-specific videos, for each level. Check it out here.

 

Topics include cyberbullying, cell phone use, texting, blogging, gaming, and identity theft.

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Cyber Chip Requirements

The requirements for Cyber Chip vary by grade. 

• Grades 4-5

• Grades 6-8

• Grades 9-12

 

Scouts need to create a contract with their parents on proper use of the Internet. This link provides an example contract that Scouts and parents must sign. 

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It is important to note that earning or maintaining the Cyber Chip is required for some merit badges and the following ranks:

• Scout

• Star

 

Cyber Chip Recharging

Cyber Chips will expire annually. Each Scout will need to go to Netsmartz and complete two new resources to recommit to net safety and netiquette. Then, with the unit leader, the Scout can add the new date to the Cyber Chip card or certificate.

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Cyber Chip Resources

• Boys' Life Magazine: “Be Cyber Safe (and Smart)” is designed for older readers

• Visit scouting.org/cyberchip and NetSmartz for more content ideas and tip sheets.

Suggestions for Cyber Chip Coordinator

• Tailor the requirements to your own unit rules. Complete the requirements for the Cyber Chip as a unit at a regular meeting, then hand out the cards and patches on the spot.

• Review the resources available on the website, including teaching materials, an implementation guide, and more.

• Create a fun challenge for youth to stump the unit leaders.

• Play a “Jeopardy!”-style game in a meeting to use what’s been learned.

• Use the Cyber Chip as a foundational step in preparation for leadership positions such as Webmaster.

• Coordinate with the SPL to make sure that Cyber Chip training is provided each year to Scouts that need this training.

 

Troop 648 Electronics Policy

BSA guidance: “Scouts should use electronics as tools and not toys.”

 

The following policy on the use of electronics was adopted by the Troop at the 2018 Introduction to Leadership Training Skills Retreat. 

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Troop 648 Electronics Policy: All Scouts can use electronics. They can be used anytime when there is an emergency or as a tool. The use of electronics should be at appropriate times (e.g., in tents or in alone time, before Troop meetings) and when it is safe. The use of electronics should not be a distraction from the Scout experience. The following are specific guidelines:

• Do not use at bathrooms or showers (zero tolerance)

• Do not use during Scouting discussions or activities (e.g., merit badge classes) unless requested. 

• Use mobile devices only when safe. For example, Scouts should not stare at a screen when hiking.

• Scouts should use good judgment and be courteous to others.

• Do not use electronic devices to bully others.

• No phones at Rodney (special case due to concerns about home sick Scouts)