Cumbrian Scouts are being given a hand to learn about online safety.
Fibrus Broadband has produced safety booklets that will help hundreds of scouts get their Digital Citizen badge.
The project was launched with 1st Staveley Cubs and Beavers at an event marking Internet Safety Day on Tuesday, February 10, attended by Cumbria police and Eddie Ward, Cumbria Scouts’ lead volunteer.
Cubs and Beavers learned about the Digital Citizens badge and ways to be safe online as well as enjoying the interactive games and puzzles in the booklets.
The booklets are full of tips and information, including quizzes about what is safe to share online and spotting fake news for younger children, and dealing with cyberbullying and knowing your online rights for older children.
There are 3,000 Scouts, Cubs and Beavers in Cumbria, and it is hoped that many of them will use the booklets shared by their leaders to earn their Digital Citizen badges.
Billy Elliot, 1st Staveley leader, said that, with most of the children receiving a device for Christmas, the online safety session was timely.
Although Scouting was traditionally seen as about outdoor activities, he added, they were incorporating more aspects like online safety that affect their daily lives.
He said: “If they can relate everything they do in these meetings to what they do at home and in their daily life, it gives them a wider sense of achievement all round in life and Scouting.”
Sarah Blacow, Cumbria police’s community officer for Windermere and Staveley, attended the event.
She said: “Children communicate so much more online, so we need to protect them for the future and for now and this is the best way of educating them, making it all round entertaining for them – a great idea.”
Damian King, programme team lead for Cumbria Scouts, said: “Keeping young people safe online is something we all share responsibility for.
“By working together as families, volunteers, and a wider community, we can help children build the confidence and skills they need to explore the digital world safely and responsibly.
“Internet safety isn’t just about rules and restrictions, it’s about support. When young people know they have trusted adults and a strong community around them, they’re far better equipped to make safe choices online.”
Colin Hutchinson, group MD of Fibrus, said that as the father of three children he was well aware of the need to stay safe online.
He said: “They spend so much time on their devices so it’s really important for them to know what sort of personal information it’s safe to share online, to pick the right passwords, and how to recognise when there’s fake information online and how to filter appropriately.
“The best way for children to stay safe online is to be educated and aware of the dangers. So it’s great that Fibrus is embarking on this collaboration with Scouts in Cumbria. It’s a great initiative and I’m really happy to be part of it.”
