Troop 88

Cyberchip Requirements

January 2017

Introduction to Cyberchip

The Cyberchip award is mandatory for all Scouts seeking to complete either the Scout or Star requirements under the advancement guidelines that took effect in January 2017.

While there are similarities there are distinct requirements for those Scouts up to 8th grade and those Scouts in High School.

These requirements will typically take some time to complete accordingly it is recommended that the Scouts consider the time element when planning their advancement.

The requirements are below

Grades 6-8

  1. Read and sign the Level II Internet Safety Pledge from NetSmartz. (BSA Cyber Chip green card)
  2. 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.
  3. Watch the video “Friend or Fake,” along with two additional videos of your choosing, to see how friends can help each other to stay safe online. (
  4. As an individual or with your patrol, use the EDGE method and mini lessons 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. ( )
  5. 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.

Grades 9-12

  1. Read and sign the Level II Internet Safety Pledge. (BSA Cyber Chip green card)
  2. 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.
  3. Discuss with your parents the benefits and potential dangers teenagers might experience when using social media. Give examples of each.
  4. Watch three “Real-Life Story” videos to learn the impact on teens. (
  5. As an individual or patrol, use the EDGE method and the Teen Volunteer 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. (
  6. 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

Completing the requirements

The remainder of this guide will provide you with information and assistance in accessing information necessary to complete the requirements.

Grade 6-8

Grade 9-12

Requirement 1

Grade 6-8 Requirement 2

Grade 9-12 Requirement 2

This requirement requires the Scout to create a written agreement with their parents with regard to their use of the internet. There is no one specific format or requirements for this other than the elements described in the requirements be present. Some suggested content include. The Scout should bring the agreement to the meeting to have the requirement signed off by an adult leader.

  1. I WILL THINK BEFORE I POST.

I agree not to post information and images that could put me at risk, embarrass me, or damage my future, such as

  • cell & home phone numbers
  • home address
  • sexual messages
  • inappropriate pictures and videos
  1. I WILL RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE.

I will not

  • post anything rude, offensive, or threatening
  • send or forward images and information that might embarrass, hurt, or harass someone
  • take anyone's personal information and use it to damage his or her reputation
  1. I WILL BE CAREFUL WHEN MEETING ONLINE FRIENDS IN PERSON.

I agree to

  • ask my parent or guardian's permission before going
  • have a parent or guardian accompany me
  • meet in a public place
  1. I WILL PROTECT MYSELF ONLINE.

If someone makes me feel uncomfortable or if someone is rude or offensive, I will

  • not respond
  • save the evidence
  • Tell my parent, guardian or another trusted adult
  • Report to the website, cell phone company, Cyber Tipline.com or the police

Grade 9-12 Requirement 3

This requirement requires the Scout to discuss with their parents the benefits and potential dangers teenagers might experience when using social media. Give examples of each. The scout should bring a note from their parents indicating they have completed the requirements.

Some suggested topics include:

  • online profile(s)
  • use of your real name or age when communicating with others online
  • What kinds of things do your post on your page
  • How do you decide who to add as a friend
  • who has access to your profile. Do you know all friends in person.
  • Have you set profiles to private–are you aware that privacy settings do not guarantee complete privacy.
  • Have you removed any inappropriate content and photos and deleted any personal information.
  • Do the profiles of your friends include revealing information or photos about you.
  • What is your Scout posting? Check comments and images for personal information, like phone numbers and addresses, as well as inappropriate and illegal content such as hateful or threatening speech and nudity. Delete anything you think is too much information.
  • How does your Scout access social media? Mobile devices, like cell phones and tablets, let children access social media apps away from adult supervision. Children may post content and even share their locations. Review app settings to help them keep information – like their location – private.
  • Who is your Scout talking to? Your child’s online contact lists and followers may include people you don’t know, or even people your child only knows online. Even if you don’t know the contact, make sure you know what images, messages, and other content they’re sharing.
  • What account settings they’re using? This is where you can control who has access to your child’s information. Each social media service has a different setup, so take a look at each one your child uses. Always ask yourself – what is on the profile and who can see it?
  • Who has access to their information? Most social media services have ads and applications from 3rd parties, like games and fan pages. If children click on these or add them to their profiles, they are allowing access to their personal information. Have a discussion about what’s OK to add and what’s not.
  • Are you aware of the means to report inappropriate or criminal behavior to the appropriate authority. Most sites have a reporting mechanism for non-criminal behavior. Criminal behavior should be reported through law-enforcement agencies and the CyberTipline® at

Grade 6-8 Requirement 3

Grade 9-12 Requirement 4

Both of these requirements require the Scout to view videos which are available at

For Grades 6-8 the Scouts need to view “Friend or Fake” along with any 2 additional videos

For Grades 9-12 the Scouts need to view 3 Real Life Story videos

Grade 6-8 Requirement 4

The Scout is required to make a presentation to his patrol or the Troop, which incorporates other members of the Patrol.

The presentation is based offthe mini lessons which are located as an additional document below and are also available at

The Scout should discuss the timing of the presentation with the Scoutmaster and his Patrol Leader.

Grade 9-12 Requirement 5

The Scout is required to make a presentation to his patrol or the Troop, which incorporates other members of the Patrol.

The presentation is based off the teen volunteer kit which is located as an additional document below and are also available at

The Scout should discuss the timing of the presentation with the Scoutmaster and his Patrol Leader

Grade 6-8 Requirement 5

Grade 9-12 Requirement 6

This requirement requires a conversation with one of the Uniformed adult leaders.