Empowering The Next Generation of Digital Leaders

By Prerana Shakya | Surf Smart - Global Programmes Manager

Technology today is advancing rapidly, and in most parts of the world, the internet has become an everyday need. This is especially true during the pandemic, as we connect with friends, learn new things, and spend much of our free time online. Without the proper education or skills to navigate the web, this can be daunting, confusing, and even a little scary at times. Young people today also face increasing and ever-evolving risks, including cyberbullying, exposure to violent content, rampant misinformation, and unequal access to the internet.

To help address these issues, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) teamed up with NortonLifeLock to create the Surf Smart program. This unique program works to ensure future generations of girls and young women have the knowledge and skills required to properly protect themselves and others online.

Our collaboration together started in 2012, when we worked to create the Surf Smart non-formal education curriculum and badge. Since the program’s inception we have positively impacted over 350,000 young people, spanning across 5 continents and over 44 countries with much more to come! Among the girls and young women who took part in our Surf Smart evaluations, 98% are more able to identify if something is dangerous online.

Today we are proud to announce the launch of Surf Smart 2.0 Generation Digital.

Surf Smart 2.0’s curriculum was created to address the rapid changes in technology and it specifically aims to empower young people when using social media. Through Surf Smart 2.0, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts learn how to use the internet not only to communicate, learn, and have fun, but also to raise their voices as responsible citizens of the world.

By the end of their digital journey, participants will have explored these core themes

1. How to protect their personal information and stay safe when online
2. How to conduct themselves positively online and in digital communities, respecting other's opinions and feelings
3. How to #BeTheChangeOnline, by speaking out for equal digital rights and access for all

Upon completion of the program, our Girl Guides and Girl Scouts will be awarded the Surf Smart 2.0 badge – a testament to their knowledge and understanding of how to have a fun, safe, and empowering online experience.

We appreciate the assistance and support from NortonLifeLock, the advice from their cyber safety professionals, and the grant funding that helped make Surf Smart 2.0 Generation Digital possible. We look forward to another year of educating and empowering girls and young women to be the best they can be, both on and offline.

To learn more about the Surf Smart 2.0 curriculum, which is available for use by any girl-only or co-educational groups from the ages of 5 to 25 years, visit: https://www.wagggs.org/en/what-we-do/surf-smart-20/.