The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is delighted to announce the launch of the updated Surf Smart 2.0 curriculum, developed in partnership with Norton, one of Gen’s trusted Cyber Safety brands.
This new phase of Surf Smart introduces activities that explore artificial intelligence (AI) and digital wellbeing, equipping girls and young women with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Exploring artificial intelligence in everyday life
AI is one of the most important technologies shaping the world today, influencing how information, entertainment and online experiences are delivered. The new Surf Smart curriculum invites participants to look more closely at how AI influences what they see online and reflect on how these technologies shape their online choices, opportunities and experiences.
Through interactive discussions and activities, girls and young women are encouraged to think critically about how AI systems work, the data they use and how to make informed choices in an AI-driven world. The updated curriculum also highlights real-world examples where digital awareness is key, such as spotting misinformation and understanding how to stay safe and make informed decisions when using voice assistants and chatbots.
Supporting digital wellbeing and mental health
Alongside the AI content, the curriculum includes new activities that explore mental and emotional wellbeing in the digital space, in particular concerning appearance-related issues. These help participants explore how technology affects emotions, relationships and self-image and how to protect their wellbeing while staying connected online.
A new section encourages girls and young women to reflect on how AI-powered beauty filters and social media algorithms shape ideas of beauty and worth. Participants are prompted to examine the emotional and mental impact of edited images, build self-confidence and celebrate their authenticity. They are also encouraged to take breaks from social media, diversify the content they see and share positive, inclusive messages online.
Together, these additions aim to create a safe, empowering learning environment where girls can recognise their influence online and build confidence and self-worth in an increasingly digital world.
Partnering for a safer digital future
The new curriculum was co-created with girls and young women, alongside expert input from Norton, one of Gen’s trusted Cyber Safety brands. Drawing on their expertise in AI and online safety, Norton supported the development of activities that help young people understand both the opportunities and challenges AI brings. Their contributions strengthen the curriculum’s focus on privacy, ethical responsibility and responsible use of technology.
This partnership continues a long-standing collaboration between WAGGGS and Norton, united by a shared commitment to helping every girl and young women explore, understand and shape the online world with confidence.
"Gen values our long-time partnership with WAGGGS. Together we created Surf Smart 2.0 to help young people navigate the online world safely and confidently. We’re proud to take the next step in this journey by introducing an AI curriculum that empowers girls and young women to harness the opportunities of AI while protecting their digital freedom and safety. When used responsibly, AI can spark creativity, expand access to knowledge and open doors to new possibilities for learning and leadership. I am proud to have played a part in bringing this new curriculum to girls around the world."
Access the new curriculum
The updated Surf Smart 2.0 curriculum is available through the WAGGGS website and the Campfire platform in all four official WAGGGS languages.