One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is prohibited both inside and outside of Scouting.

• Personal conferences must be conducted with the knowledge of and in view of other adults and/or youth.
• Private online communications—including texts, phone calls, chats, and instant messages—must include another registered leader or parent.
• Social media communications must include another registered leader or parent.

Review the Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse Guidelines

Adult leaders and youth members have a responsibility to recognize, respond to, and report Youth Protection violations and suspected abuse.

Youth Protection Policy Violations

• Serious Youth Protection policy violations or behaviors that put a youth’s safety at risk must be reported to the Scout Executive.
• If the Scout Executive is unavailable, violations may be reported through the Scouts First Helpline.
• Online incident reporting resources are also available through Scouting America.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse

If someone is at immediate risk of harm, always call 911 first.

• All persons participating in Scouting programs are mandated reporters of child abuse.
• Reports must be made to local law enforcement and child protective services. State law may require additional reporting.
• The responsibility to report cannot be delegated to another person.
• Reporting to the Scout Executive or Scouts First Helpline allows Scouting leadership to coordinate appropriate follow-up for the safety of youth.

Scouting America Incident Reporting Resources

Scouts First Helpline

Scouting America maintains a dedicated 24-hour helpline for reports of known or suspected abuse or other behavior that may put a youth at risk.

1-844-SCOUTS1 (1-844-726-8871)

When to Use the Helpline

• When you believe a youth has been harmed or their safety and well-being are at risk and you cannot immediately reach your Scout Executive or local council.
• When a youth is being bullied because of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability and local assistance has been unable to resolve the issue.

Program Requirements

Safeguarding youth extends to every part of the Scouting program. The following requirements help establish appropriate boundaries, protect privacy, and create a safe environment for everyone.

• The buddy system should be used.
• Smartphones, cameras, mirrors, drones, and similar devices are prohibited in places or situations where privacy is expected.
• All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
• Scouting America does not recognize secret organizations as part of its program.
• Hazing and initiations are prohibited.
• Bullying and harassment—including verbal, physical, and cyberbullying—are prohibited.
• Inappropriate public displays of affection are prohibited.
• Sexual activity is prohibited.
• Appropriate attire is required for all activities.

Constructive Discipline

Discipline in Scouting must be constructive and consistent with Scouting’s values.

• Corporal punishment is never permitted.
• Disciplinary activities involving isolation, humiliation, or ridicule are prohibited.

Appropriate accommodations and privacy safeguards are required for adults and youth participating in overnight activities and other Scouting programs.

Tenting

• Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults and for male and female youth.
• Youth sharing a tent must be no more than two years apart in age.
• In Cub Scouting, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family.
• In other programs, youth and adults tent separately.
• Spouses may share tents.

Whenever possible, separate cabins or lodging should be provided for male and female adults and youth. When completely separate accommodations are not available because of group size or facility limitations, additional supervision and appropriate physical separation are required.

• If adults and youth of the same gender occupy single-room accommodations, there must be a minimum of two adults and four youth, with all adults appropriately trained.
• Temporary barriers or other physical separation should be used only when no other arrangement is possible.
• These modifications are limited to single-gender accommodations.

Separate shower and latrine facilities should be provided for male and female adults and youth whenever possible. When separate facilities are unavailable, separate usage times should be scheduled and posted.

The privacy of youth must always be respected.

• Adults and youth must respect one another’s privacy, particularly when changing clothes or showering.
• Adult leaders should monitor these areas appropriately but enter only when necessary for youth protection, health, or safety.

• Youth Protection & Barriers to Abuse
• Safeguarding Youth Training
• Guide to Safe Scouting
• Incident Reporting
• State Mandatory Reporting Information