MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Parents are being encouraged to monitor their children’s online access to ensure their safety while they surf the Internet.

According to a release on Monday, commanding officer for the parish of St Elizabeth, Deputy Superintendent Coleridge Minto, urged parents to implement parental controls and supervise and educate their children about the dangers of improper internet usage.

Minto was speaking at the launch of free public Wi-Fi by the Universal Service Fund (USF) in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth recently.

“Explain the potential online dangers, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content and online predators. Ensure they also understand the importance of responsible online behaviour, set parental controls if you have to so that you can monitor their device,” he said.

“Establish open and honest lines of communication with your child, encourage them to come to you with concerns and questions. Discuss with them the risks associated with sharing information such as their age, addresses or even their personal information or meeting persons that they do not know,” he added.

In the meantime, DSP Coleridge Minto said the provision of free Wi-Fi service represents a crucial step in the effort to bridge the digital divide in the country.

“This marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that every member of our community has access to the vast world of information, education and opportunities that the Internet has to offer,” he noted, highlighting that “the introduction of Internet access is not just a technological leap; it is a promise of empowerment, inclusion and boundless opportunities for everyone. Let us reflect on the incredible benefits that this initiative brings to our doorsteps.”