Norton and WAGGGS Expand Global Digital Literacy Program with AI Education for Girls

NORTHAMPTON, MA – 26/08/2025 – (SeaPRwire) – Global push for digital literacy now embraces artificial intelligence, as Norton and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) expand their decade-long partnership to prepare young women for the realities of an AI-driven online world. In a time when technology is woven into nearly every aspect of daily life, the internet has become both a tool of opportunity and a space of risk. For young people, particularly girls and young women, navigating this evolving digital environment requires not only technical skills but also resilience, critical thinking, and a strong foundation in cyber safety. The expansion of Surf Smart 2.0, a global education initiative that now incorporates AI literacy, represents a significant milestone in equipping the next generation with the resources they need to thrive.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by new research: a 2024 Harvard University study found that over half of young people surveyed had already used generative AI tools. The majority turned to AI for learning support or idea generation, while nearly one-third explored its creative potential in areas such as music and visual art. Yet, as promising as these technologies are, they also present real dangers—ranging from exposure to scams and misinformation to issues of digital privacy and inappropriate content. Norton, a leading brand in consumer Cyber Safety solutions, and WAGGGS are aiming to meet this challenge head-on, embedding AI education into Surf Smart 2.0 to ensure young women can maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

Surf Smart 2.0 has already proven to be one of the most impactful digital safety programs for youth. Launched in 2021 as an extension of the original Surf Smart initiative, the program enables participants to earn badges by completing modules that strengthen their knowledge in online safety, digital citizenship, and advocacy. Since its inception, Surf Smart programs have reached an estimated 880,000 young people globally. In the most recent program year alone—from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025—over 219,000 girls and young women participated in Surf Smart 2.0 educational programming worldwide. With the addition of AI modules, the program is set to extend its reach to at least 90,000 more participants in the near term, amplifying its role in global digital education.

The updated curriculum is accessible free of charge through WAGGGS’ online platform, Campfire, providing scalable, equitable access to learners everywhere. Participants can explore modules that teach how AI works, the opportunities it provides, and the potential risks that must be managed. At the same time, Norton continues to provide technical expertise and consultation to strengthen the program’s credibility and keep it current with rapidly changing technological trends.

Beyond the classroom, Surf Smart 2.0 is also designed as a catalyst for real-world impact. The program is launching a new advocacy toolkit to empower girls and young women to lead local and global initiatives addressing issues such as online harassment, gender-based digital discrimination, and privacy threats. Through this expanded framework, participants will not only learn to navigate digital spaces safely but also drive campaigns and projects to make the internet a safer place for all. The initiative’s recognition as a finalist in the “Big Impact” category of this year’s Third Sector Awards further highlights its growing influence in the global education and nonprofit sectors, with winners set to be announced in September.

The partnership between Norton and WAGGGS goes beyond curriculum design; it reflects a shared vision to empower communities with the tools to manage digital life securely. For Norton, Surf Smart is a central element of its broader mission to “Power Digital Freedom.” Alongside nonprofit collaborations, Norton provides products such as Norton 360, an all-in-one solution offering real-time protection against malware, scams, ransomware, and viruses. Norton 360 also includes features such as Genie Scam Protection, an AI-powered defense mechanism against fraud, as well as parental controls and a secure VPN. Together, these efforts aim to protect individuals and families, particularly those in vulnerable or under-resourced communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

As technology continues to evolve, so too must the skills and protections available to the next generation. With Surf Smart 2.0 now incorporating AI education and extending its advocacy mission, Norton and WAGGGS are demonstrating a blueprint for global partnerships that address both the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly shifting digital world. For young women across continents, the program is more than a curriculum—it is an empowerment tool, preparing them not only to navigate the internet safely but to shape the future of digital citizenship itself.

source https://newsroom.seaprwire.com/technologies/norton-and-wagggs-expand-global-digital-literacy-program-with-ai-education-for-girls/