Across the Commonwealth, the inaugural observance underscores the Safe Surfin' Foundation's dedication to safeguarding kids, families, and older adults in the digital realm.
Establishing this observance is not the conclusion—it is the launch of a sustained promise. Over the past thirty years, we have witnessed the rapid pace of online threat evolution, yet we have also observed the profound impact of education.”— Sheriff Mike Brown (Ret.)FLOYD, VA, UNITED STATES, July 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Alongside Delegate Wendell Walker, teachers, law enforcement personnel, parents, and community figures, the Safe Surfin' Foundation proudly acknowledges the inaugural official celebration of Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day throughout Virginia. This yearly event, set for August 1, stems from the approval of House Joint Resolution 36 by the 2026 General Assembly.
In celebration of this significant achievement, Delegate Walker is scheduled to conduct a press conference on Friday, July 31, at Bedford Hills Elementary School. This event will gather various groups and officials dedicated to informing residents of Virginia regarding the escalating dangers present on the internet and highlighting the critical role of preventative measures grounded in awareness and instruction.
This yearly recognition acts as a prompt that online security is a collective obligation. With ongoing technological advancements, the risks confronting youth, households, and the elderly also transform—encompassing threats such as online predators, cyberbullying, identity theft, fraud schemes, and digital exploitation.
"This observance means far more than just a day marked on the calendar," stated Eddie Worth, President and Executive Director of the Safe Surfin' Foundation. "It embodies a promise across Virginia to strengthen families, assist teachers, and provide young individuals with the necessary skills to identify peril before they suffer harm. We take great pride in joining Delegate Walker and our extensive network of collaborators as Virginia marks this groundbreaking inaugural event."
The establishment of Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day is the culmination of extensive cooperation involving the Safe Surfin' Foundation, Delegate Walker, Virginia's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, educational professionals, law enforcement bodies, and civic groups. All are devoted to thwarting online exploitation via educational outreach and increased awareness.
Established in 1998 by retired Sheriff Mike Brown of Bedford County, the Safe Surfin' Foundation has grown into a nationally recognized authority on internet safety education. It engages schools and local populations with tailored programs, online tools, and preventative strategies aimed at ensuring the security of children within our modern, interconnected society.
Retired Sheriff Mike Brown, who serves as Founder and Chairman of the Safe Surfin' Foundation and previously headed one of the pioneering Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces in the United States, remarked that this yearly event demonstrates Virginia's enduring promise to shield its most at-risk residents.
"Instituting this day is not the endpoint—it marks the start of a continuous dedication," Brown remarked. "For close to thirty years, we have directly witnessed the rapid transformation of digital dangers, yet we have also observed the remarkable impact that instruction can achieve. Every child merits the chance to navigate the internet securely, and every parent deserves access to the information and support needed to aid in their protection. Awareness is life-saving, and education continues to be our strongest asset."
The Foundation urges all residents of Virginia to leverage this first-time celebration as a chance to initiate dialogues concerning internet security, acquire the ability to identify indicators of online abuse, and back initiatives that instruct youth and families prior to their victimization.
Residents of Virginia are urged to:
•Engage in responsible digital conduct.
•Have frequent discussions with children regarding online security.
•Become familiar with the indicators of grooming, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation.
•Report any questionable online behavior and internet-related offenses.
•Back community-based educational and prevention efforts.
Press Conference Information
Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day Media Event
Date: Friday, July 31, 2026; Time: 9:30 a.m.
Venue: Bedford Hills Elementary School, 4330 Morningside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24503
Both media representatives and the general public are welcome to attend this event. Individuals intending to participate are asked to confirm their attendance via the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/YPwAEEwvbX
"Safeguarding our youth and households stands among the most critical duties we all hold," commented Delegate Wendell Walker (R-52). "The creation of Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day guarantees that annually we take a moment to instruct, heighten consciousness, and remind families that digital security is a communal duty. I extend my gratitude to the Safe Surfin' Foundation and the numerous collaborators whose persistent commitment enabled this formal acknowledgment. Collectively, we are forging a more secure tomorrow for each person in Virginia."
Eddie Worth, Executive Director, President
Safe Surfin' Foundation
Phone: +1 540-855-7432
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