It’s been two years since I last blogged about the BSA’s Cyber Chip. In the online world, that’s like two lifetimes.
The importance of the Cyber Chip has only grown in the time since it was introduced. Now having a current Cyber Chip is the first requirement for Scouts earning the Digital Technology and Programming merit badges.
It’s not just for merit badge-earning Boy Scouts, though. There are different requirements for Scouts based on their grade: 1-3, 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12. That means Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Varsity Scouts, Sea Scouts and Explorers should have an up-to-date Cyber Chip tailored to their unique online experience.
The Cyber Chip, developed in collaboration with NetSmartz, part of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, teaches Scouts and Venturers about cyberbullying, cell phone use, texting, blogging, gaming and identity theft.
Seeing as June is Internet Safety Month, now’s a great time to remind your Scouts and Venturers to earn (or update) their Cyber Chip. Learn more here, and watch this short explanatory video below:
