Every day, a Jamaican child logs on to a tablet to complete a school assignment, a parent shares family photographs on social media, a teacher introduces a new digital learning platform, and a small business owner uses the Internet to reach customers and grow his/her enterprise.

Each interaction represents an opportunity made possible by technology.

Yet each also carries a responsibility that we can no longer afford to overlook — the responsibility to stay safe online.

As Jamaica embraces digital transformation, we must confront an uncomfortable question: What good is access to technology if we have not equipped people with the knowledge and confidence to use it safely? The question is particularly relevant during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCAM) 2026, observed under the theme ‘One Nation, Cyber Strong’.

Building a cyber-resilient Jamaica requires more than secure systems and strong policies, it also demands informed individuals who understand the risks and take responsibility for their digital safety.

The scale of the challenge is significant.

According to information shared by minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for science, technology, and special projects, Dr Andrew Wheatley, in September more than 5.4 million attempted cyberattacks were recorded against Jamaica’s digital systems in the first three months of 2026 alone.

This reinforces the need to make cybersecurity a priority for individuals, institutions, and businesses alike.

Access must come with awareness

At the Digicel Jamaica Foundation, our education pillar focuses on expanding access to technology and creating opportunities for Jamaicans to learn and develop the skills needed to participate in an increasingly digital world.

Through initiatives such as our smart labs, we recognise technology as an important tool for improving education and bridging the digital divide.

However, meaningful digital inclusion goes beyond providing devices, connectivity, and access to online resources.

It means ensuring that people have the skills to navigate the digital environment responsibly, protect their personal information, and recognise when something is wrong.

This is why the foundation launched its Safer Internet Together (SIT) programme in 2025.

Since its inception, SIT has reached more than 185 schools across Jamaica, delivering online safety education to over 40,000 students.

Through interactive presentations, quizzes, and multimedia activities, students learn about cyberbullying, strong passwords, data privacy, and digital footprints.

Online safety starts with all of us

Children cannot be expected to navigate the digital world safely without guidance.

Parents and teachers have an important role to play in helping them recognise risks, respond to cyberbullying, and feel comfortable reporting experiences that make them uneasy.

In 2026, the foundation expanded SIT to engage parents and teachers more directly, taking online safety education beyond the classroom and into the home.

Through 25 targeted parent-teacher association (PTA) sessions planned across Jamaica, we are helping parents better understand the risks children face online and how they can support them.

To date, eight sessions have been completed, reaching more than 700 parents.

Parents do not need to be cybersecurity experts to make a difference.

They can start by talking openly with their children about their online activities, encouraging them to question suspicious messages, and creating an environment in which they feel safe asking for help.

Teachers, too, need the knowledge and resources to reinforce responsible digital behaviour.

Turning awareness into action

Cybersecurity Awareness Month gives us an important opportunity to start conversations, but awareness alone is not enough.

Its value lies in the behaviour we change and the protective measures we adopt long after October ends.

There are practical steps every Jamaican can take: use strong, unique passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication; think carefully before sharing personal information or photographs; verify suspicious links and messages before clicking; review privacy settings; and speak openly with children about their online experiences.

Organisations also have a responsibility to handle personal information carefully, maintain appropriate safeguards and educate their employees about cyber risks.

At the Digicel Foundation, we remain committed to advancing digital inclusion in a way that recognises both the opportunities technology creates and the responsibility that comes with it.

Through Safer Internet Together, we will continue working with schools, parents, teachers, and partners to help build a generation of more informed, responsible, and resilient digital citizens.

Charmaine Daniels

Charmaine Daniels is the CEO of Digicel Jamaica Foundation.