U.K. — The Scout organisation in the U.K. is introducing new Explorer Scout badges focusing on content creation, digital communication, and online safety. These new badges are part of the Scout movement's first major programme overhaul in 25 years.

The new Explorer Scout badges are designed for participants aged 14 to 18. The Scout organisation consulted nearly 3,000 teenagers during the development of these badges.

Andrew Thorp, a Scout leader involved in developing the new programme, said in an interview: "The programme for Explorer Scouts has not been overhauled for nearly a quarter of a century." He added: "What was really clear is that young people want to be able to get skills that will help them in their lives going forward, and they want to find a place to belong." Thorp stated: "This is about giving people skills for the future." He explained: "We focus on creating and understanding content rather than simply publishing it online."

The content creation badge requires participants to explore how digital communities influence change, create content intended to positively influence communities, and develop digital storytelling projects. The communication badge includes modules on digital footprints and the impact of social media and digital communication. The personal safety badge requires participants to design resources to help others manage online risks.

Elie Mondah, a 17-year-old Explorer Scout from Romford, said: "These badges are great because we're not learning about the positive side of AI at school; it's all about the dangers." She also said: "These new badges are more relevant than the traditional ones for camping and making fires, because it's key to modern life." Ethan Watkins, a 14-year-old Explorer Scout from Staffordshire, said: "It's a really good idea to integrate all the new ideas around AI into the Explorer badges because school isn't educating us about it." Watkins added: "AI is going to be a massive part of my work and education, and so it's really important for me to learn to use it effectively and safely."

Thorp said: "It's really important that young people know how to use this stuff safely." He continued: "It's not just about learning how to do something, it's about how to do things safely, how to keep them safe in those environments." Thorp noted: "In the same way that Scouts teach young people how to light a fire safely, it's important that you take that same approach to things like content creation." The Scout organisation stated that guidance for the badges would be updated if necessary when the government introduces restrictions on social media use by younger teenagers. The Scout organisation will be 120 years old next year.