Virginia sets first Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day

Virginia will mark its first Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day on Aug. 1 after the General Assembly passed House Joint Resolution 36 in 2026. The Safe Surfin' Foundation and Delegate Wendell Walker are using a July 31 press conference to push prevention education around online predators, scams and digital exploitation.

Why it matters: - Virginia is making internet safety an annual public priority, with the new observance aimed at protecting children, families and older adults from online predators, cyberbullying, identity theft, scams and digital exploitation. - The effort is designed to push prevention through awareness and education before online threats turn into victims. - The observance also reinforces that online safety is a shared responsibility among families, schools, law enforcement and community groups.

What happened: - Virginia designated Aug. 1 as Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day after House Joint Resolution 36 passed during the 2026 General Assembly. - Delegate Wendell Walker will host a press conference on Friday, July 31, at Bedford Hills Elementary School in Lynchburg to mark the first official observance. - The event will bring together educators, law enforcement, parents and community leaders focused on online safety. - The Safe Surfin' Foundation is joining Walker and other partners in the statewide recognition.

The details: - The Foundation said the observance builds on years of collaboration with Walker, Virginia's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, educators, law enforcement agencies and community organizations. - Founded in 1998 by retired Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown, the Safe Surfin' Foundation says it has become a national leader in internet safety education. - The organization provides age-appropriate school and community programs, digital resources and prevention initiatives. - Brown, who also founded one of the nation's first Internet Crimes Against Children task forces, said the day is the start of an ongoing commitment, not a finish line. - The Foundation is urging Virginians to practice responsible digital citizenship, talk regularly with children about online safety, recognize grooming and cyberbullying warning signs, report suspicious online activity and support prevention programs. - The press conference is set for 9:30 a.m. at Bedford Hills Elementary School, 4330 Morningside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24503. - Members of the media and the public are invited to attend. - Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP through the event form.

Between the lines: - Virginia is turning a public-awareness message into a recurring civic event, which can help keep online safety in front of parents and schools beyond a single news cycle. - The timing suggests lawmakers and advocates want to normalize prevention education as threats continue to evolve faster than many families' digital habits. - The Foundation's long-running role gives the observance an established advocacy network rather than a one-time campaign.

What's next: - Virginia will observe Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day every year on Aug. 1. - The July 31 press conference is expected to kick off broader conversations about online safety across schools and communities. - The Foundation is encouraging Virginians to use the inaugural observance to start conversations, learn warning signs and support education efforts. - Delegate Walker said the annual recognition will keep families focused on online safety and build a safer future for Virginia.