The Boy Scouts of America has announced that it will start awarding belt loops and pins to Cub Scouts for video game media literacy. Scouting Radio reports that the awards won't be given out for actual game skill, but rather for showing that the child can be responsible about his gaming habits. The belt loop is given for learning the ESRB ratings, playing a parent- or teacher-approved game, and making a schedule that fits game time around chores and homework. The pin is awarded for installing a game console and comparison shopping, among other unspecified educational tasks.

The Boy Scouts already give pins and loops for activities like science, photography, and sports, so this is a natural way to reward kids for being more informed about activities they already enjoy. "Let's be serious, most households have video games in them, and if they don't have them in their households, they're in libraries," said public relations manager Renee Fairrer. "They're a part of our lives."

But while organizations like Common Sense Media and The American Academy of Pediatrics are praising the idea for making kids more conscious of their media choices, it's also seeing its share of criticism for encouraging kids to stay indoors. "Being a Boy Scout is about getting outdoors, it's about being in the woods with your friends and building campfires," said Christian Marino, a former Eagle Scout. "It's not about sitting at home playing video games."

Requirements

Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts may complete requirements in a family, den, pack, school, or community environment. Tiger Cubs must work with their parents or adult partners. Parents and partners do not earn loops or pins.

Belt Loop

Complete these three requirements:

1. Explain why it is important to have a rating system for video games. Check your video games to be sure they are right for your age.
2. With an adult, create a schedule for you to do things that includes your chores, homework, and video gaming. Do your best to follow this schedule.
3. Learn to play a new video game that is approved by your parent, guardian, or teacher.

Academics Pin

Earn the Video Games belt loop, and complete five of the following requirements:

1. With your parents, create a plan to buy a video game that is right for your age group.
2. Compare two game systems (for example, Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, and so on). Explain some of the differences between the two. List good reasons to purchase or use a game system.
3. Play a video game with family members in a family tournament.
4. Teach an adult or a friend how to play a video game.
5. List at least five tips that would help someone who was learning how to play your favorite video game.
6. Play an appropriate video game with a friend for one hour.
7. Play a video game that will help you practice your math, spelling, or another skill that helps you in your schoolwork.
8. Choose a game you might like to purchase. Compare the price for this game at three different stores. Decide which store has the best deal. In your decision, be sure to consider things like the store return policy and manufacturer’s warranty.
9. With an adult’s supervision, install a gaming system.