The Spotlight! ❤️ April 2025 Newsletter 📰

The Spotlight Vol 2 Iss 4 April 2025 Banner

Supporting West Virginia Officers with Online Safety Training

On April 29, we announced an exciting partnership with the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office in West Virginia. Sheriff Frank Priddy, Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton, and Regional Manager Jim Hale are collaborating to enhance Internet safety education. This initiative aims to combat online predators, curb the spread of harmful content, and promote positive digital engagement. As part of this effort, Safe Surfin’ sponsored a free Internet safety training session for law enforcement officers to help them better protect their communities.

Spotlight Link—Learn More About This Effort:

Protecting Our Children in a Digital World

Team Spotlight

Kevin Donovan

Vice President

We're excited to welcome Kevin Donovan as Vice President of the Safe Surfin' Foundation. With over 30 years of global leadership across industries like sports, media, and digital safety, Kevin brings a powerful mix of experience and purpose to our mission.

His work includes partnerships with the NFL, Warner Bros., and the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics—yet his greatest impact comes from his deep commitment to people and community well-being.

We're proud to have Kevin on board as we continue building safer digital spaces for families.

Spotlight Links—Read More About Kevin:

Official Announcement

View Kevin's Bio

President's Message

Every day, I’m reminded how important our mission is—and how powerful it becomes when we work together. Whether it is through community outreach, new connections, or quiet behind-the-scenes efforts, your continued support allows us to make a real, lasting impact.

As we move forward, let’s stay focused, energized, and united in purpose. The digital world is constantly evolving, and so are we. Together, we can continue creating a safer, smarter online future for all.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue to protect, educate, and empower!

Tips and Advice

Talk to your children, regardless of their age. Remind them that people online may not always be who they claim to be.

Monitor online activity: Regularly check the photos and information your child shares online. For instance, a picture of your child in a school uniform can reveal their location to online predators without realizing it.

Additional Resources

Share Our Mission

Our mission continues to resonate: increasing awareness, fostering conversations at home, and educating families about digital safety. With your help, we’re reaching more households and encouraging safer habits in the digital world.

Every post, share, or mention plays a role in protecting children and empowering communities.

We encourage everyone to share our page and spread the word about online safety!

Advocacy and Recognition: Honoring Sheriff Mike Brown & Dr. Janet Brown

Delegate Wendell Walker (R-52) recognized Sheriff Mike Brown (Ret.) and Dr. Janet Brown for their exceptional dedication to safeguarding children and families from online exploitation and cyber threats in April. Their tireless efforts over the past 25 years have had a profound impact, leading to the creation of innovative programs like Cyber S.W.A.T. and the successful passing of Internet safety education bills in West Virginia and Virginia.

Spotlight Link—Read the Full Post:

Commendation For Decades of Service Protecting Children

Partnership Spotlight: Collaborating with Skyll for Internet Safety Education

Our partnership with Skyll continues to strengthen our efforts to protect children online. Together, we are preparing to introduce Skyll's innovative Deputy AI software into schools across West Virginia. This cutting-edge tool will educate students from 3rd through 12th grade about Internet safety, empowering them with the knowledge to navigate the digital world responsibly and securely.

To learn more about Skyll and the Deputy program, visit: skyll.co

Thank you for your continued support in making the digital world safer for our youth.

For more updates and resources, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

MISSION STATEMENT:

To implement and continually support internet safety education nationwide for all children

by providing training, technical assistance, and educational materials at no cost to recipients.