Fibrus Broadband launched a major collaboration with Cumbria Scouts this week with the Full Fibre broadband provider producing online 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 10 February attended by Cumbria Police and Eddie Ward, Cumbria Scouts’ lead volunteer.
On the night the 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.
Eryn, 10, a member of the Staveley troop, said it had been a fun night.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. I think it’s really important if you see something online to always say it to an adult, don’t just keep it inside, it will affect you much more.”
Alex, also 10, said he had learned about the importance of password to avoid getting hacked, adding: “Make sure you don’t share information that you want to keep private.”
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.”
The booklets and the badge come at a critical time with ever rising concern about online safety. Pre-teens and teenagers are spending more time online than ever, which brings a range of concerns for parents and carers.
From staying in touch with friends, to being able to do research for homework, being online can
be hugely beneficial for young people. However, without the right knowledge, social media, messaging apps and online gaming can expose young people to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and pressure to share personal information.
Many young people may not fully understand privacy settings or the long-term impact of what they post, making them vulnerable to exploitation or online scams.
Sarah Blacow, Cumbria Police’s community officer for Windermere and Staveley, who attended the meeting, said it had to be a joint effort to protect children.
“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,” she said.
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.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
