Cyber chip
To help keep youth safe online, the BSA offers the Cyber Chip which requires scouts to complete online activities. Rather than requirements being segregated by rank, the Cyber Chip requirements are based on grade levels.
Cyber chip requirements differ between scouts who are in 6th through 8th grade, versus scouts who are in 9th through 12th grade.
Completion of the Cyber Chip is necessary to earn the Scout and Star ranks. To have the requirement approved by the Unit Leader (Scoutmaster), the scout is required to have completed the Cyber Chip for the correct grade; 6th - 8th or 9th - 12th. If the Cyber Chip for the current grade has expired, the scout must complete the recharge steps to have the requirement approved.
To confirm, if the scout completed the Cyber Chip for 6th - 8th grade and is now in 9th grade, the scout will have to complete all of the requirements for the new grade, not just a recharge activity.
Note: All Cyber Chips will expire annually. Each Scout will need to go to Netsmartz and complete 2 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.
How to Complete the Cyber Chip Requirements
Grade 6-8 Requirements:
Read and sign the Level II Internet Safety Pledge on the BSA Cyber Chip green card. - Schedule time to meet with the Scoutmaster to discuss the internet safety pledge and to obtain the Cyber Chip card.
Write and sign a personalized contract with your parent or guardian that outlines rules for using the computer and mobile devices, including what you can download, what you can post, and consequences for inappropriate use. - Use the attached contract, and modify it as needed to meet your parent's expectations and rules related to internet usage.
Watch the video Friend or Fake, along with two additional videos of your choosing from this list, to see how friends can help each other to stay safe online.
Post to be Private
Split Decisions
Two Kinds of Stupid
As an individual or with your patrol, use the EDGE method to teach Internet safety rules, behavior, and "netiquette" to your troop or another patrol. You are encouraged to use any additional material and information you have researched. Each member of the patrol must have a role and present part of the lesson. - Prepare a plan and present it to the Scoutmaster BEFORE completing this requirement.
Discuss with your unit leader the acceptable standards and practices for using allowed electronic devices, such as phones and games, at your meetings and other Scouting events. - Schedule some time to meet with the Scoutmaster to receive the final approval on your Cyber Chip; bring your completed worksheet, your signed Cyber Chip card, signed Digital Technology contract and signed Cybersafety form to the meeting.
Grade 9-12 Requirements:
Read and sign the Level II Internet Safety Pledge on the BSA Cyber Chip green card. - Schedule time to meet with the Scoutmaster to discuss the internet safety pledge and to obtain the Cyber Chip card.
Write and sign a personalized contract with your parent or guardian that outlines rules for using the computer and mobile devices, including what you can download, what you can post, and consequences for inappropriate use. - Use the attached contract, and modify it as needed to meet your parent's expectations and rules related to internet usage.
Discuss with your parents the benefits and potential dangers teenagers might experience when using social media. Give examples of each.
Watch three of the following Real-Life Story videos to learn the impact on teens.
Friend or Fake
Post to be Private
Split Decisions
Two Kinds of Stupid
As an individual or patrol, use the EDGE method and the Student Project Kit to teach Internet safety rules, behavior, and "netiquette" to your troop or another patrol. You are encouraged to use any additional material and information you have researched. Each member of the patrol must have a role and present part of the lesson. - Prepare a plan and present it to the Scoutmaster BEFORE completing this requirement.
Discuss with your unit leader the acceptable standards and practices for using allowed electronic devices, such as phones and games, at your meetings and other Scouting events. - Schedule some time to meet with the Scoutmaster to receive the final approval on your Cyber Chip; bring your completed worksheet, your signed Cyber Chip card, signed Digital Technology contract and signed Cybersafety form to the meeting.