Uncategorized – Safe Surfin Foundation | Protecting Our Youth Online Since 1998

𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗶𝗻’ 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗩𝗣, 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆

𝙁𝙇𝙊𝙔𝘿, 𝙑𝘼 – The Safe Surfin’ Foundation is excited to announce Kevin Donovan as its new Vice President. With over 30 years of global leadership experience in sports, entertainment, technology, and social impact, Kevin’s visionary approach and dedication to humanity and community well-being will greatly enhance the Foundation’s mission to promote safe and responsible internet use among children and families nationwide.

Kevin Donovan is a proven transformational leader and internationally recognized master brand architect. His career spans five continents and includes his work with major organizations such as NASCAR, NFL, MLB, Visa, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Warner Bros., NBC Universal Studios, Marvel Entertainment, Viacom, MTV, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, and many more top tier organizations. Notably, he served as the Director of Brand Image, Creative, Sponsor Marketing Presence, and the Look & Feel of the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, where he helped set world records in viewership and engagement – reaching an estimated 2.1 billion viewers across 160 countries and drawing over 1.5 million visitors during the Games.

Beyond his impressive professional accomplishments, Kevin is a deeply caring individual committed to human welfare, nature, and wildlife conservation. His purpose-driven leadership is focused on developing comprehensive solutions that improve safety in local and global communities while fostering sustainable business growth. His global experience, combined with his passion for social impact, aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s goal to create safer digital environments for children.

“We are honored to welcome Kevin to the Safe Surfin’ Foundation,” said Sheriff Mike Brown (Ret.), Founder and Chairman of the Board. “His leadership, combined with his dedication to community safety, will be vital as we expand our programs and outreach efforts to empower families with online safety tools.”
In his new role, Kevin will oversee program development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement initiatives. His extensive background in branding, digital media, and large-scale event management will help amplify the Foundation’s efforts and reach more families, educators, and communities committed to safe internet use.

“I am so truly grateful to receive this privilege and opportunity to join the honorable Sheriff Mike Brown, President Eddie Worth, and the entire Safe Surfin’ Foundation team to help serve, provide and protect our youth and communities,” Kevin Donovan said. “I am committed and passionate about making a positive impact in the next stage of growth for the Safe Surfin’ Foundation with its nationwide law enforcement agencies and strategic partnerships including Skyll and their DEPUTY AI platform. This opportunity allows me to use my experience and global perspective to help protect children online and promote responsible digital citizenship. We have an online 911 to rollout our integrated services and technologies to immediately provide our youth, families and educators with the knowledge, data and online tools they need to navigate safely in today and tomorrow’s online world.”

Kevin’s leadership philosophy centers on purpose, community, and innovation—principles that resonate deeply with the Foundation’s mission. His background in high-profile projects and international collaboration demonstrates his ability to drive meaningful change and foster sustainable growth.

For more information about the Safe Surfin’ Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.safesurfin.org.

Protecting Our Children in a Digital World: A New Partnership in Raleigh County

At the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, our mission has always been clear and close to our hearts: to implement and continually support internet safety education globally for all children by providing training, technical assistance, and educational materials at no cost. Today, we’re excited to share an incredible step forward in that mission.

We’re proud to announce our new partnership with Sheriff Frank Priddy and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office. This collaboration marks a powerful union in the fight to keep children safe in the digital world. Sheriff Priddy recently met with our Regional Manager, Jim Hale, to begin this important work, and we’re thrilled to have the support of Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton as well.

Together, we are focused on preventing online predators before they strike, stopping the spread of hateful or illegal messages, and promoting the positive and safe use of technology. Every child deserves to explore the internet without fear—and with partners like the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, we’re making that possible.

To kick off this partnership, we are helping to host a free internet safety training class for law enforcement officers on May 16th. (The exact location in Raleigh County will be announced soon.) This course will empower our officers with the tools and knowledge they need to protect children in today’s ever-changing digital landscape.

If you’re a law enforcement officer interested in attending, please reach out to Sgt. B.J. Adkins at the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office for details.

We’re honored to stand alongside our brothers and sisters in blue as we work toward a safer online world for our kids. One community at a time, we’re making a difference.

💻❤️ #SafeSurfin #InternetSafety #ProtectOurChildren #RaleighCountySheriff #LawEnforcementTraining #StrongerTogether

Safe Surfin’ Showcases AI Safety Curriculum at MMIP Summit

Leaders from the Safe Surfin’ Foundation and Skyll recently presented their groundbreaking AI-driven online safety curriculum at the 3rd Annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Summit.

Held in California, the summit brought together law enforcement, tribal leaders, and community advocates to address the urgent need for better protection and awareness surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. During the event, the team introduced “Deputy,” an AI-powered safety program developed by Skyll in partnership with SSF, designed to detect and deter online threats in real time. The presentation underscored the power of public-private partnerships in advancing digital safety for vulnerable communities, particularly at-risk youth.

Together, Safe Surfin’ and Skyll are setting a new standard for protecting youth through tech-enabled prevention. Their unified vision made a lasting impression on summit attendees.

Spotlight Links—Read the Full Articles Below:

Official Press Release (EIN Presswire)

Article from The Roanoke Times (PDF)

Safe Surfin’ Foundation Advances Internet Safety Efforts Across Virginia

Safe Surfin’ Foundation continues to lead the charge in protecting youth online. Recently, Founder and Board Chair Sheriff Mike Brown (Ret.) and President Eddie Worth met with Governor Glenn Youngkin and Delegate Wendell Walker to present the Deputy AI program—an innovative “Internet 911” tool developed in partnership with Skyll Inc.

Designed to provide students with a direct line of defense against cyberbullying, exploitation, and other online threats, Deputy AI represents the next evolution in digital safety education. Safe Surfin’ Foundation is actively working to implement the program in schools across Virginia, beginning with a collaborative effort involving state leadership.

Governor Youngkin expressed strong support for the initiative and committed to facilitating a meeting with the Virginia Superintendent of Schools to explore opportunities for statewide adoption.

“As someone who has spent decades in law enforcement, I’ve seen firsthand the dangers children face online. Deputy AI is a game-changer—it gives students a voice, protection, and the power to act.”

— Sheriff Mike Brown (Ret.), Founder & Board Chair, Safe Surfin’ Foundation

This partnership marks a major step forward in Safe Surfin’s mission to equip students, schools, and communities with the tools they need to stay safe in the digital world.

Read Full Press Release

Championing Change in Virginia

Board Member Graeme Page, CEO & Co-Founder of Skyll, and Safe Surfin’ Foundation President Eddie Worth join Congressman John McGuire at the Virginia State Capitol to advocate for the implementation of mandatory online safety education in schools across the Commonwealth. Their united efforts underscore the urgent need to equip students with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely

Partnership Spotlight: General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC)

We’re proud to announce a new partnership with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) to bring online safety education and digital privacy tools to more families across the country.

This meaningful partnership, made possible by David Coffey, our Regional Manager West and Honorary Chairman of GFWC’s Advocates for Children, connects our mission with GFWC’s long-standing dedication to child protection and community service.

To learn more about GFWC, visit:

gfwc.org

Team Spotlight

Lizena Thompson

Secretary-Treasurer & Administrative Assistant for Safe Surfin’

Lizena (Liz) Thompson joined the Safe Surfin’ Foundation in 2022. She is a summa cum laude graduate from ECPI University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Science. Lizena was recognized for numerous Dean’s List and attendance awards.

Lizena now has 10 years of experience with customer service and in the IT field. With the privilege of cross-training with many different departments, she has been able to expand her knowledge in many areas.

In 2020, Lizena suffered a traumatic brain injury and was unable to work during her year long recovery. The opportunity to join the Safe Surfin’ family as the Administrative Assistant came at the perfect time. She is excited for this new journey and with 2 sons of her own, she is dedicated to the mission of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation.

Meet the rest of the Safe Surfin’ Team here.

New Internet Safety Curriculum Comes to West Virginia

West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) has partnered with Safe Surfin’ and their partner Skyll to implement a comprehensive internet safety curriculum across all public schools in the state. This forward-thinking initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge, awareness, and practical tools needed to navigate today’s digital world safely and responsibly. By confronting online dangers and promoting safer habits, the program encourages digital literacy and long-term online safety among youth.

Read Full Press Release

Investigators Note Rising Online Dangers in Virginia

Virginia’s Southern Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has reported a sharp rise in tips related to online child exploitation—jumping from around 2,000 in 2019 to more than 10,600 in the past year. This alarming trend highlights the increasing threat of online predators and reinforces the need for proactive efforts in digital safety. It serves as a powerful reminder that education, prevention, and strong community partnerships are essential in protecting children in online spaces.

Read Full Article + Video

Melania Trump Backs Push to Combat Sextortion

Former First Lady Melania Trump has voiced her support for a nationwide effort to combat the escalating sextortion crisis targeting children and teens. With the Safe Surfin’ Foundation helping lead the response, the initiative emphasizes the use of advanced tools and comprehensive education to detect threats and prevent exploitation. It also calls on parents, educators, and law enforcement to work together in building a safer, more informed, and proactive digital future for the next generation.

Read Full Press Release

Tips & Advice

Children can be especially vulnerable to online predators because they are:

• Naturally curious

• Easily influenced by adults

• Seeking attention & affection

• Sometimes tempted to defy rules or parental guidance

If you notice any warning signs or feel something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to talk openly with your child. Let them know about the dangers of online predators (especially those who pose as friends or trusted adults) and most importantly, reassure them:

👉 They are not in trouble.

👉 They did nothing wrong.

👉 They can always come to you for help.

Additional Resources

Donate Today

Virginia Investigators See Surge in Tips Reporting Online Chid Exploitation ‘Exponential growth’ causes concern

View video below.

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Recent arrests in the area have highlighted the persistent problem of child exploitation online.

Investigators with the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, or ICAC, said they’ve seen a major increase in the number of tips they’re tracking down — from an estimated 2,000 in 2019 to 10,600 last year.

This year is already trending ahead of those numbers.

“We believe it is due to just the widespread use of mobile devices, more access to people overall to online platforms and applications, but also the providers, those app programmers, the companies that provide the services and the apps,” said Stephen Anders, a captain with the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and commander of Southern Virginia ICAC. “They’re getting better at detecting this activity on their platforms and reporting it in a more efficient manner.”

Anders said wherever children are online, predators will follow.

“Whether it’s websites that are geared more towards children, like Roblox or Fortnite or, you know, Club Penguin or any of those apps, if a child can have an account there, there’s nothing stopping an offender from also pretending to be a child and creating an account to go there and interact with them,” Anders said.

Safety advocates say education is key to combating the issue, and one group is developing an app to help. The Safe Surfin’ Foundation worked with a California-based company to develop the Deputy app. It uses AI and online influencers to educate children about online dangers.

“The kids can actually open this app … and say, ‘here’s what’s happened: I’ve had a predator approach me and want me to send them my address. What should I do?’ Well, then the influencer on this app is going to say something to the effect of ‘cut off your contact with this person. Tell your parents, tell a trusted adult.’ And it gets more in depth with that,” said Eddie Worth, president and executive director of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation.

The app will be used in West Virginia public schools next school year, Worth said. They are also working on a more in-depth app with a learning model that should be ready in 2026.

Both Worth and Anders said apps and tracking tools can only go so far — and parents need to have age-appropriate discussions with their children early and often and keep a close eye on any changes in their behavior.

Study Reveals: 1 in 12 Children Face Online Sexual Exploitation

A new study from Georgia State University’s School of Public Health and the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute estimates that 1 in 12 children worldwide have experienced online sexual exploitation or abuse. Published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, the research analyzed over 120 studies from 57 countries, revealing that 8.1% of children globally have been affected.

The study identified various forms of abuse, including unwanted sexual talk (12.5%), non-consensual sharing of sexual images (12.6%), online sexual exploitation (4.7%), and sexual extortion (3.5%).

Read Full Article

Help Advance Online Safety Research

Safe Surfin’ Foundation is proud to share an important research opportunity with parents and teens! Echolab at Virginia Tech is conducting a study to help protect teens from online unwanted sexual solicitation. They are looking for teens (13-17) and their parents to participate in a survey that will contribute to this critical research.

If you and your teen qualify, participation involves:

A brief (5-minute) Zoom check-in with the research team
A 1-hour survey for teens ($10 gift card/cash reward)
A 1-hour survey for parents ($10 gift card/cash reward)
A total of $20 if both participate

Check out the flyer for full details. Your insights will help shape strategies to keep teens safe online!

View the Flyer Here

NSA Conference Snapshot

President Eddie Worth addressed sheriffs at the National Sheriffs’ Association Conference, discussing the future of cyber safety and innovative solutions to protect youth from online threats.

See More Attended Events

Safeguarding Our Children, One Tool at a Time

The North Carolina Moose Association, in partnership with Safe Surfin’ Foundation, proudly presented a high-performance Cop-in-a-Box (CIAB) laptop with cutting-edge investigative software to the Horry County Sheriff’s Office ICAC Task Force.

Sgt. Brandon Lee and Lt. Chris Graham accepted the donation, emphasizing the need for advanced tools to track online predators.

Last year, ICAC investigators served 96 warrants, leading to 17 arrests. With CIAB, we continue providing law enforcement with the digital tools needed to fight cyber crimes against children.

Thank you to the NC Moose Association for supporting this mission! Together, we are making the internet safer for kids.

Team Spotlight

Marcus H. Long

Marcus H. Long Board Member for Safe Surfin’ Foundation.

“Judge” Marcus Long is a retired Chief Circuit Judge of the 27th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. He was born in Radford, Virginia and resided in Blacksburg, Virginia his entire life prior to recently retiring to the Lake Norman area of North Carolina. Judge Long graduated from Virginia Tech in 1973 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1976. He has been married to his wife Elizabeth for 36 years and they have two adult daughters.

He was appointed judge by the Virginia Legislature in 2005 and retired in 2020 as Chief Judge of the 27th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. During his career on the bench, Judge Long established a family drug treatment court program along with five adult drug treatment courts. Virginia’s Lawyers Weekly named Judge Long a Leader in the Law in Virginia in 2016.

Meet the rest of the Safe Surfin’ Team here.

Help Us. Help Them.

Every day, millions of children navigate the internet—learning, connecting, and exploring. But with that freedom comes real dangers: cyberbullying, online predators, and scams that put their safety at risk.

At the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, we work tirelessly to educate, equip, and empower kids with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe online. But we can’t do it alone—we need YOU.

Your tax-deductible donation helps us:

𝑬𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆 families & schools about digital safety.
𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒑 law enforcement with the tools to protect vulnerable children.
𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 kids to recognize and respond to online threats.

Every dollar makes a difference. Together, we can create a safer internet for our children.

Donate Today

Tips & Advice

Be aware of your child’s behavior and changes in overall attitudes. If a child has been caught up with a “friend” online that is a child predator, they will usually “groom” the child and turn the child against the parents and others close to them.

Additional Resources

The Dangers of Roblox

Dave Coffey, Regional Manager West at Safe Surfin’ Foundation, highlights the hidden risks children face on the popular online game Roblox. While promoting creativity, the game also exposes young players to dangers such as inappropriate communication, grooming, and explicit content. Predators exploit the platform’s anonymity to target vulnerable users, underscoring the importance of supervision and education. FBI statistics reveal alarming trends in online exploitation, making parental awareness essential.

Read Dave’s full insights here:

The Dangers of Roblox for Children

A Covington Man Arrested for Illicit Communications With A MinorCommunications With A Minor

The recent arrest of Maurice Goode in Alleghany County for illicit communications with a minor is a powerful example of how Safe Surfin’ Foundation’s Cop-in-a-Box (CIAB) program is helping law enforcement fight online exploitation. By providing cutting-edge tools, the CIAB system allows officers to identify and apprehend suspects quickly, preventing further harm to vulnerable individuals.

This case demonstrates the program’s vital role in effectively equipping law enforcement to combat digital threats. CIAB is more than a resource — it’s a lifeline for communities that need protection from online predators.

Read the Full Article

Partnership Spotlight

Recently, the Safe Surfin’ Foundation team had the incredible opportunity to visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in Alexandria, VA. Pictured to the left are Graeme Page, one of our dedicated Board members, Eddie Worth, our Executive Director, and Aya Nassif, Partnership Specialist at NCMEC, who provided a fantastic tour of their facilities.

Following the tour, Graeme and Eddie met with top executives to discuss shared goals and strategies for advancing child safety in the digital world. The collaboration emphasized the importance of partnerships in protecting children and reinforced the strong relationship between our organizations.

Together, we’re committed to creating a safer online environment for kids everywhere. Our shared mission to prioritize children’s safety and well-being is more critical than ever, and this visit marked another step forward in achieving that goal.

Learn More About NCMEC

Team Spotlight

Jim Hale

Jim Hale Regional Manager East for Safe Surfin’ Foundation.

Jim Hale has been a dedicated supporter of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation since its partnership with the Loyal Order of Moose. A retired Regional Manager for Moose International, Jim’s career highlights include top awards and special recognition for his contributions to community causes. Jim’s efforts have made a lasting impact, from raising funds for service dogs to providing protective gear for police officers. He resides in Nitro, WV, with his wife, Dona, and their family.

Read Jim’s full bio here.

Tips & Advice

• Set age-appropriate filters for your child

• Consider using monitoring software

• Get in the habit of checking your child’s online activity by viewing browser history – Be sure to check each browser and search engine on every device

• Set time limits for online activity

• Safe Surfin’ strongly suggests NO Internet access in bedrooms – No cell phones, computers, tablets, etc.

• Limit your child’s instant messaging or direct messaging contacts

• Have a parent-approved friends list

• Use parental controls on your child’s devices

• Safe Surfin’ advises absolutely NO access to chat rooms!

Additional Resources

Your Help is Needed

TO HELP THEM!

Donate Today

Make a Donation

Tazewell Moose & Safe Surfin’ Team Up for Child Safety

The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office recently received a state-of-the-art EZ Child ID compact mobile system, thanks to a generous donation from the Tazewell Moose Lodge 198 and the support of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation. This cutting-edge system, distributed by Safe Surfin’, allows the Sheriff’s Office to take a child’s fingerprints, multiple photographs, and a voice recording, then provide it to parents on a flash drive or through a downloadable app. Importantly, no information is retained by the Sheriff’s Office, ensuring privacy while giving parents a vital tool to assist law enforcement in case of emergencies.

Behind the Scenes

Safe Surfin’ Around the Nation

Safe Surfin’ Foundation had the honor of attending the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition, where over 16,000 law enforcement professionals gathered to showcase the latest innovations in public safety.

Eddie Worth, our Executive Director, engaged with attendees through roundtables and presentations, sharing our mission and exploring partnerships to protect kids online. This impactful event highlighted the importance of collaboration in building safe communities, and we were thrilled to be a part of it!

IACP Conference Wrap-up

Style with a Purpose

Did you know you can support our mission by purchasing Safe Surfin’ merchandise through our Bonfire store? From shirts to hoodies, our gear lets you proudly show your commitment to promoting cyber safety while helping fund our educational programs and outreach efforts. Every purchase directly supports our work in protecting communities and empowering individuals online. Visit our Bonfire store today and make a difference with style!

Link to Bonfire Store

Volunteer Spotlight

Buddy and Brenda Franklin

Buddy and Brenda Franklin Safe Surfin’ Foundation Territory Managers.

This month, we’re shining our Volunteer Spotlight on the incredible Mr. and Mrs. Franklin! All the way from sunny Florida, this dedicated duo surprised us with a visit to our Virginia headquarters. After countless hours of working with them over the phone, I was absolutely ecstatic to finally meet them in person and put faces to their names!

Their unwavering commitment to our mission and their generous hearts make them invaluable members of the Safe Surfin’ family. We are so grateful for their hard work, enthusiasm, and the joy they bring to everything they do. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, for going the extra mile—literally and figuratively—to support us!

Check out the wonderful photos from their visit above!

Tips & Advice

Having strong communication lines open with your kids will lessen the chance of them “sneaking” behind your back. Good discussion and parental involvement will also make it easier for them to approach you for help with an online problem should the occasion arise.

Additional Resources

Spotlight on Child Recovery: NCPTF’s Recent Success

This month, we’re excited to share a remarkable story of how a collaborative effort spearheaded by the National Child Protection Task Force (NCPTF) and a partner agency resulted in a major victory for missing children and their families.
Through a 10-week operation, the team assisted law enforcement using advanced tools and multi-agency teamwork to recover over two-thirds of the missing children in the targeted area. Using cutting-edge intelligence tools like open-source intelligence (OSINT) and data-driven methods to generate actionable leads that helped law enforcement locate and rescue these children.

This operation embodies technology’s critical role in modern child protection, enabling agencies to track digital footprints and generate actionable insights faster than ever before. By embracing innovation and fostering meaningful partnerships, NCPTF continues to pioneer new ways to protect vulnerable children and reunite them with their families.
NCPTF’s successful partnership exemplifies the power of teamwork in child protection!

Safe Surfin’ Foundation Sponsors Guild Hall Summer Gala in The Hamptons

Safe Surfin' Foundation Gala in the Hamptons

“The Safe Surfin’ Foundation proudly sponsored the annual Guild Hall Summer Gala, a longstanding tradition in the Hamptons, held on August 2, 2024. The event, known for its cultural significance and community spirit, was held entirely at Guild Hall, utilizing the museum, theater, and gardens for a memorable evening of art, dining, and entertainment.

The Safe Surfin’ Foundation’s full-screen advertisement was prominently displayed on rotation during the dinner under the tent, featuring the foundation’s slogan, ‘Because a child’s innocence can never be replaced,’ alongside the logo.”