The Scout Law, As It Applies To The Internet

The BSA’s Cyber Chip is an award you can earn for something you probably do every day anyway: being safe online.

Depending on what grade you’re in, there are different requirements for earning your Cyber Chip. But one thing remains the same: Scouts have a responsibility to behave properly on the Internet, just like we have a responsibility to behave properly at school … and in the outdoors … and during troop meetings … and you get the idea.

Consider how the Scout Law can by tied into cybersafety:

Trustworthy. Be truthful with others online, and be very careful of the information you share. Do the right thing when sharing other people’s words or pictures. Make sure you have the owner’s permission before sharing them.

Loyal. Share information about others only if you have their permission to share it. Uphold appropriate agreements you make with friends when you play games with them.

Helpful. Alert others to scams, cheats, and suspicious sites. Point them to reliable and accurate sources of information. Encourage people to report bad behavior online.

Friendly. Support others who are doing good things, like posting quality creative works. Support those who are bullied. Courteous. Be polite and respectful. When you use other people’s work, be sure to ask permission, follow fair use standards, and give credit to the people who created and own the work.

Kind. Treat people with respect when you are on social networks, playing games, talking or texting, or in other digital activities.

Obedient. When using digital devices, follow the rules set by your parents/guardians, teachers, and Scout leaders. Abide by the rules established by sites, services, devices, and games.

Cheerful. Use games, messaging tools, and social forums to build your relationships with others while having fun.

Thrifty. Be a smart consumer. Know your voice, text, and data plans and use them wisely. Be sure to study digital devices and services you want. Before buying them, make sure you’re not overspending on functions and features you won’t need. Be careful not to run up charges on apps and sites.

Brave. Stand up for what is right. Do not participate in mocking and bullying others, even if your friends are doing it. Report suspected abuse to a trusted adult, like your parent or leader; call 911 as appropriate or call the Cyber Tip line at 1-800-843-5678. If the incident involves any part of the Scouting program, call your council Scout executive immediately or email youth.protection@scouting.org.

Clean. Use clean language and discuss only appropriate topics when using digital devices to communicate with others.

Reverent. Respect the feelings of other people. Do not use digital devices to spread irreverent ideas.