1. Has who the Code of Conduct applies to changed?
2. Have rules on digital communication changed?
3. Are there new rules regarding substances like cannabis or vaping?
4. Has the reporting process for safety concerns changed?
5. Is there an exception for touching youth during emergencies?
6. What is “Psychological Safety”, and why is it in the Code?
7. What happens if I don't sign or follow the new Code?

Has who the Code of Conduct applies to changed?

No, but the scope has been clarified to include 18+ Rover Scouts and "Resource People" (subject matter experts or guest presenters) alongside all volunteers, employees, and parents (when applicable). This ensures that every adult in a position of trust or influence is held to the same high standard.

Have rules on digital communication changed?

No, but again the Code is now much clearer. You cannot have one-on-one contact with youth through: 

• Direct messages (DMs) or private chats
• Personal phone calls or texts
• Social media platforms outside of official, monitored Scouts Canada channels
• The "Two-Scouter Rule" applies to the digital world just as it does to the physical world

Are there new rules regarding substances like cannabis or vaping?

Yes. The previous focus was primarily on alcohol and tobacco. The updated Code now explicitly prohibits vaping in front of youth and the consumption of cannabis (or any other impairing substance) during Scouting activities. You must be fully capable of supervising youth at all times.

Has the reporting process for safety concerns changed?

The obligation is the same, but the clarity is higher. The Code now emphasizes the reporting avenues per the Youth Protection Reporting Procedure: 

1. Legal Duty: You must report any suspicion of harm to the police or child protection services as required by provincial law
2. Scouting Duty: You must also report to Scouts Canada via the Safe Scouting channels (safety@scouts.ca or 1-800-339-6643). Reporting internally does not fulfill your legal obligation to the authorities. When in doubt report

Is there an exception for touching youth during emergencies?

While the rule remains that you should "ask before you touch" for routine interactions, the update adds a common-sense exception: you may take immediate action to prevent an emergency (i.e. stopping a youth from running into traffic) without waiting for verbal permission.

What is "Psychological Safety," and why is it in the Code?

The update moves beyond physical safety to protect the mental well-being of our members. The code of conduct now explicitly outlines gossip, intimidation, and exclusion as harmful behaviours. We are expected to address conflicts "directly and in good faith" rather than undermining others through back-channel communication. 

Psychological safety means creating an environment where all members feel safe to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas without fear of being embarrassed, excluded, or undermined. The code of conduct now explicitly outlines gossip, intimidation, and exclusion as harmful behaviours. 

In Scouting, we work as teams to deliver great experiences for youth. That means treating each other with respect—even when we disagree. The Code of Conduct includes psychological safety to make it clear that behaviours like gossip, intimidation, or excluding others are not acceptable, because they damage trust and make it harder for volunteers to work together. We are expected to address conflicts "directly and in good faith" rather than undermining others through back-channel communication.

What happens if I don't sign or follow the new Code?