Keeping kids safe in the physical world has always been a pillar of the scouting movement. But today, a child's environment extends far past the campgrounds and deep into the digital space.
To meet this modern challenge, Scouting America has announced an official national partnership with the United States Secret Service. The initiative specifically focuses on youth safety and digital literacy for Cub Scout-age children (grades K-5) and their families.
Starting the Conversation Early
Unlike many cyber safety campaigns that target teenagers, this program addresses a critical gap: elementary-age children. Research reveals that digital engagement begins long before adolescence, making it vital to establish healthy habits early on.
The partnership merges Scouting America's family-focused approach with the expertise of U.S. Secret Service-supported community ambassadors. Together, they will roll out interactive, age-appropriate curriculum using established toolkits like KidSmartz® and NetSmartz®.
Families will learn side-by-side to master fundamental digital boundaries:
- Identifying online warning signs and potential red flags.
- Understanding when to stop and tell a trusted adult.
- Enforcing physical-digital boundaries (such as turning off location sharing on apps).
- Establishing transparent household agreements regarding screen time and gaming platforms.
- No One-on-One Contact: The mandatory "two-deep leadership" rule applies online exactly as it does in person. Adult leaders are strictly barred from private chats, 1-on-1 direct messages, or unmonitored emails with youth.
- Use Protected Platforms: Utilize password-protected, business-oriented video conferencing tools. Avoid platforms meant primarily for public gaming or unvetted streaming.
- Lock Down Privacy: Ensure children's personal accounts are locked to "Private," disable location-sharing settings, and strictly clear out unknown users from gaming friends lists.
"Scouting believes that being prepared and prevention go hand in hand—especially when it comes to keeping children safe," says Glen Pounder, Executive Vice President and Chief Safeguarding Officer of Scouting America. "By working with trusted national partners and emphasizing parent involvement, we are helping families build skills that last."
The Secret Service, operating via its Childhood Smart Program, plans to deploy its community ambassadors directly into local Scouting councils, adding a layer of elite law enforcement expertise to pack meetings and family events.
Part of a Larger, Unified Safeguarding Effort
This partnership is not a standalone effort. It builds upon a network of massive, cross-agency digital safety campaigns currently fighting child exploitation online:
1. DHS "Know2Protect" Campaign
Launched as a premier public awareness initiative by the Department of Homeland Security, Know2Protect educates parents, trusted adults, and youth on combatting online child sexual exploitation. Scouting America partnered with Know2Protect to offer a unique, exclusive patch to any Scout who completes the interactive Project iGuardian training program.
2. The Barbara Sinatra Children's Center Partnership
Scouting America has completely overhauled its traditional "Cyber Chip" requirement for older youth (Ages 11–17). It replaced it with the data-backed Personal Safety Awareness Series, produced in tandem with the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center. This series teaches Scouts to recognize modern digital threats like grooming, malicious photo sharing, and cyberbullying.
Quick Reference: Safety Guidelines for Online Activities
For packs and families organizing virtual meetings or managing their youth's personal setups, Scouting America recommends the following SAFE checklist items:
- Youth Safety and Policies: Scouting America Youth Safety
- Digital Meeting Safety Guide: Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities
- Child Safety & NCMEC Investigations: Secret Service Cyber & NCMEC Programs
- Official Safety Campaign Hub: Know2Protect.gov
- Project iGuardian Presentations: To bring an HSI Special Agent presentation to your school or youth organization, email: iguardian.hq@hsi.dhs.gov
Agency Contact Information & Resources
If you are a parent, educator, or leader looking to request a presentation or report suspicious behavior, use the official agency contacts below:
Scouting America
United States Secret Service
Department of Homeland Security (Know2Protect)
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