KINGSTON, Jamaica — Stephen Price, vice president and general manager at Flow Jamaica, is urging digitally savvy Jamaicans to play an active role in safeguarding the nation’s most vulnerable individuals online.

As digital access continues to expand, Price said those who are more knowledgeable about online risks are well-positioned to assist children, senior citizens and other at-risk individuals in navigating the internet safely.

Price, who heads the country’s largest internet service provider (ISP), Flow Jamaica, said online vigilance must be an individual and collective effort that evolves with the technology. According to Price, the nature of the internet is so dynamic that the job of protecting our citizens requires constant supervision and oversight in order to prevent what can be life-threatening mishaps.

“Cybercriminals are not just distant, faceless figures operating from overseas; they are right here in Jamaica, and they have become highly skilled at using digital platforms to target unsuspecting victims,” Price warned. “From scammers who manipulate banking customers into revealing sensitive financial information to predators who lure children away from their families via social media, and even cyberbullies spreading harmful content, online threats are diverse and ever-present.”

“We all can play a role by providing daily guidance, educating and overseeing our children and those still in need of guidance. Check those devices, talk with them about how to stay safe online and, of course, encourage them to report issues when they do occur. Education and oversight are key to fostering a secure digital environment,” he reiterated.

Reaffirming Flow’s commitment to cyber-safety, Price highlighted the importance of initiatives like Safer Internet Day 2025.

“At Flow, we are committed to creating a safer digital environment for all Jamaicans.”

Internationally observed initiatives such as Safer Internet Day 2025, he said, “are opportunities for us to reinforce the importance of internet safety and empower our community with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves online. Together, we can build a safer, more secure digital Jamaica”.

Trevor Chung, digital consultant and former Facebook and Instagram trust and safety product manager is partnering with Flow Jamaica to amplify this year’s internet safety message.

He echoed Price’s sentiments, “Internet safety isn’t just about securing data — it’s about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions online. Initiatives like Safer Internet Day foster a culture of awareness and responsibility that benefits everyone.”

This year, the telecommunications company will spearhead several activities under the theme, “Protect. Empower. Thrive. Building a Safer Digital Jamaica”, designed to enable and encourage the public to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves online.

To commemorate Safer Internet Day 2025 on February 11, in partnership with the Flow Foundation, Flow will produce and host a one-hour special that will air on Television Jamaica at 8:30 pm. The special will feature esteemed presenters and panellists including Chung; social media influencer, Daindra Harrison; Cassandra Morrison, executive director of the National Senior Citizen’s Council; and Laurel Williams, president of the National Secondary Students’ Council.

Additionally, the company will also give support for the Ministry of National Security’s CyberSMART Conference with a presentation titled, “The Missing Link: Human Factor in Cybersecurity”, highlighting the critical role of human behaviour in maintaining cybersecurity.