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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)
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Lizena Thompson
Secretary-Treasurer & Administrative Assistant
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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.
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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. |
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As we move into April, we'd like to share the significant strides made in March towards enhancing online safety for our youth.
In March, Virginia investigators reported a surge in tips related to online child exploitation, highlighting the ongoing challenges in protecting children in digital spaces. These developments underscore the importance of our mission and the need for continued vigilance and education.
We remain dedicated to fostering collaborations and developing innovative solutions to ensure the safety of our youth online. Your support is crucial as we continue to expand our initiatives and reach.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Safe Surfin' Foundation community.
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Tips and 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
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Have a snapshot, story, or testimonial that captures the spirit of Safe Surfin’? We want to hear from you!
Email marketing@safesurfin.org and help us highlight the heart behind the mission.
Plus, follow us on social media for updates, events, safety tips, and more inspiring moments from our community!
| | What topic would you like to see more of in future newsletters? | | | | | 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.
| | 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
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| | 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
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