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Get crypto confident!

Play a true or false game to learn about cryptocurrency, then create something to share what you discovered.

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You’ll need

  • A4 paper
  • Pens or pencils
  • A copy of the true and false statements and answers
  • A large space to move around in
  • True and false signs (optional)
  • Art and craft materials
Get Crypto Confident True Or False Statements
PDF – 78.8KB
Download Get Crypto Confident True Or False Statements

Before you begin

  • Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. There’s also more guidance to help you carry out your risk assessment, including examples.
  • Make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
  • Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help.

Planning and setting up this activity

  • Print or write out a copy of the ‘True or False’ statements on this page. You may want to add your own, but use a reliable, trustworthy source. 
  • Make sure to have two areas to move between safely for people to show if they think something is ‘True’ or ‘False’. You may want to use signs, or green and red cones or hoops. 

Aim of the activity

This activity is designed to introduce young people to the concept of cryptocurrency and explore it's positives and negatives, including the dangers. 

You can read about the basics of cryptocurrency on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website.

You can find out more information about preventing cryptocurrency fraud with HSBC UK.

Becoming a Critical Consumer

  • Using information and advice to make financial decisions
  • Taking responsibility

Managing Risks and Emotions Associated with Money

  • Managing risk
  • Identifying and reducing financial risk

 

Running this activity

  1. Ask if anyone knows what cryptocurrency is. You may wish to explain that it's a virtual form of money that exists only in the digital world, unlike traditional currencies with physical notes and coins. It’s a digital currency and uses cryptography for security.
  2. Explain that you’re going to read out statements about cryptocurrency, and they’ll decide if each one is true or false by moving to the matching side of the space.
  3. Explain which side space is 'true' and which one is 'false'
  4. Read out one of the statements about cryptocurrency. 
  5. Everyone should decide what they think, then move to the relevant side or area. 
  6. After everyone has chosen their side reveal whether the statement is true or false and give a brief explanation. You could ask why or how people decided on their answer.
  7. Now, get into small groups and give each group some paper and pens
  8. Ask the groups to write down or draw what they think the positives and negatives (or dangers) of cryptocurrency are.
  9. Gather everyone back together.
  10. Ask each group to share one positive and one danger of cryptocurrency. Some examples include:
    • Positives: It’s fast, easy to send money across the world, it’s secure (because of blockchain), can be an investment opportunity and it’s not controlled by governments.
    • Negatives: It’s very risky to invest in, value can go up and down quickly, it’s used for illegal activities, and there’s no insurance if you lose your wallet or your money gets stolen.
  11. Now it’s time to get creative. Ask each group to make something that helps teach others about cryptocurrency and its risks. Some ideas include:
    • Draw a comic showing a character learning about crypto.
    • Create a fun quiz for the group.
    • Design a simple game where players have to make decisions about crypto.
    • Make a bold, eye-catching poster that warns people about the dangers of cryptocurrency.
    • Create a sculpture using coins getting lost, broken wallets or someone who’s unsure.
  12. When everyone’s done, invite the groups to show what they made and explain why they chose to show cryptocurrency in that way. 

This activity may touch on sensitive topics, such as food, money or food banks, which some young people or their families might be affected by. 

It’s important to create a safe, positive and supportive space where everyone feels comfortable. Let everyone know it’s okay to ask questions, say if they feel unsure, or step away at any time. Always follow the Yellow Card.

You might need to make adjustments, such as:

  • Tell people about the activity in advance
  • Offer the option to leave or do an alternative activity
  • Speak with parents or carers beforehand
  • Remind everyone they can talk to a trusted adult if they’re upset or worried

You can offer trusted support services if needed, such as Childline (0800 1111), Citizen’s Advice (0808 223 1133) and Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).

The Trussell Trust is a great place to start looking for a food bank near you. You can find details of independent food banks online. The UK Government have some debt advice support too.

Make sure that all adult volunteers and young leaders keep all discussions age-appropriate and supportive.

Reflection

This activity was all about cryptocurrency, and exploring the positives and the negatives, and identifying the risks. Here's some questions you could use to reflect on what you learnt:

  • What did you learn about the risks of using cryptocurrency? Did anything surprise you?
  • How do you think someone could avoid or reduce those risks?
  • Have you heard of people making or losing lots of money with crypto? How might that make someone feel?
  • How might cryptocurrency affect the way we use money in the future?
  • Do you think cryptocurrency is a good or bad idea for young people to invest in? Why?

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

You must run your activities in line with the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card) and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.

Active games

The game area should be free of hazards. Explain the rules of the game clearly and have a clear way to communicate that the game must stop when needed. Take a look at our guidance on running active games safely.

  • Make sure the 'true' and 'false' areas are safe and accessible for everyone to get to.
  • If it's not practical or accessible for everyone to move around the space, you could use a different way for people to choose 'true' or 'false'. People could raise a hand, say their choice out loud, point to their answer, or pick a green or red or true or false card. Or, statements could be printed and cut out, for people to sort into 'true' and 'false' piles. 
  • If anyone may find it difficult to hear the statements being read out, have copies printed out for people to read, and allow time for them to do so. Or, choose a different way to run this activity. 
  • If anyone may need extra processing time, to process the statements and make a decision, share the statements with them in advance. 

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Explorers Money Skills Activity Badge
Explorers Money Skills Activity Badge

If you enjoyed this activity, why not try out our other HSBC money skills activities

Young people could research and create their own true/false statements using trusted sources like HSBC, then quiz each other with what they’ve found.