The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is joining its counterparts world-wide in recognising Safer Internet Day by bringing awareness to the local fight to keep the internet safe for children. Photo: techguide.com

Safer Internet Day will be observed on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Photo: community.microfocus.com

According to a press release from the RVIPF today, February 7, 2022, Head of the  Family and Juvenile Unit Inspector Kendol Bobb says that the RVIPF through the Safe Online Initiative End Violence Partnership is working with and through partners like the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to make the internet safe for children and is actively working to fill gaps in resources, evidence, programmes, and technological solutions.

While sharing statistics, he noted that since 2016, the End Violence Fund has mobilised $83 million, of which $48 million were invested in 60 projects focused on preventing and eliminating online child sexual exploitation and abuse with impact in over 70 countries. In April 2022, the Fund will announce new investments for over $20 million to continue supporting countries to strengthen systems, generate evidence and develop technological solutions. 

“That is why on this Safer Internet Day, Tuesday, February 8, we want to focus on celebrating the progress made so far and creating a safe internet by raising awareness about the issue, sharing solutions, and calling for everyone to take action. With your help, we hope to engage communities and work together to end violence against children online,” Inspector Bobb added.