BYTE BACK: Helping Girl Scouts Take Control of Their Online Identity

It starts with something small.

A post.
A comment.
A photo.
A direct message that feels “off.”

For today’s teens, the digital world isn’t separate from real life — it is real life. Friendships, reputations, opportunities, and even future careers are shaped online every single day.

That’s why Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey is hosting BYTE BACK: Safeguarding Your Online Identity — a hands-on workshop experience designed specifically for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors, and the adults who support them.

This isn’t a lecture about “being careful online.” This program is about real-world preparation.

Learn From the Experts — Together

On Saturday, March 28 at the Girl Scout Leadership Center in Newark, participants will engage with professionals who work every day at the intersection of digital investigations, youth protection, and civil rights. They include:

A representative from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Kai Durant, NJ Department of Civil Rights

Patricia Tamburelli, Cyber Threat Outreach and Partnerships, New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell

Lt. Jon Norcia, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

Eilidh McKemmie, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Kean University

Ketty Fernández, Criminal Justice Faculty at Kean University

These experts aren’t coming to speak at Girl Scouts, they’re leading hands-on, interactive workshops designed to walk participants through real-world scenarios such as:

What would you do if a fake account impersonated you?
How can you recognize a deepfake?
When does online conflict cross the line into something reportable?
What should you say — and who should you call?

Through guided discussions and practical exercises, Girl Scouts will learn how to:

Understand and manage their digital footprint

Recognize scams, manipulation, and exploitation

Respond to harassment and harmful behavior

Know when and how to report online threats

Support a friend facing digital conflict

The focus isn’t fear. It’s confidence.

Bring a Friend — They Don’t Have to Be a Girl Scout

This conversation is too important to keep to yourself.

Girl Scouts are encouraged to bring a friend, even if they’re not a member. Because protecting yourself online is more powerful when you learn together.

A Shared Experience for Families

Parents and guardians are also strongly encouraged to attend. Adults will participate in workshops alongside their Girl Scout, gaining practical tools and conversation starters to continue these discussions at home.

Because in a world that moves fast online, confidence is power.

BYTE BACK — and take control of your online identity.

Event Details:

Saturday, March 28
11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Girl Scout Leadership Center – Newark

$20 per Girl Scout
$10 per Adult

Lunch is included.
Girl Scout members will earn a badge as part of their participation.

March 03, 2026