Jacksonville, Florida, December 2, 2025
Jacksonville, Florida, is set to host the ‘Be Smart Online’ event on January 14, aimed at promoting safer online habits among youth. Organized by the FBI in partnership with Duval County Schools and local police, the event will provide insights on online risks and responsible behavior for parents and children. Community engagement is key to ensuring youth safety in the digital landscape.
FBI and Duval County Schools to Present “Be Smart Online” Event
Engaging Jacksonville Families for Safer Online Practices
Jacksonville, Florida, is gearing up for an essential community event aimed at promoting safer online habits among youth. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in collaboration with Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) and Duval County School Police, is set to host the “Be Smart Online” event on Wednesday, January 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kernan Middle School. This event will provide valuable insights to parents, guardians, and children about the risks associated with social media and the importance of responsible online behavior.
Local organizers have demonstrated resilience in creating this initiative that fosters community engagement with a focus on youth safety. By facilitating discussions and providing educational resources, this event reflects a commitment to proactive measures, standing as a model of how collaborative efforts can minimize bureaucracy and maximize efficiency in promoting community well-being.
Event Details
- Event Name: Be Smart Online
- Date and Time: Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Kernan Middle School, Jacksonville, Florida
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Registration: Parents can register and submit questions for the event.
Program Overview
The “Be Smart Online” program focuses on educating children about how to avoid online predators. FBI agents from the Jacksonville office will discuss the tactics these predators use to target young individuals and will provide essential resources for reporting suspicious online activity. The program’s sensitivity and relevance make it a critical initiative for any child or teen using electronic devices for online activities. Encouraging parental participation is a key aspect, as it fosters an environment where safe online practices can be reinforced at home.
Event Background
Since 2018, over 3,000 parents and educators across northeast Florida have attended similar “Be Smart” events, collectively working towards protecting local youth from online threats. The FBI Jacksonville has partnered with local law enforcement and educational institutions to maintain a connected approach to ensuring the safety of children as they navigate the digital landscape. This community effort highlights the pressing need to educate parents and educators on the potential threats that come with technology and how to manage them effectively.
Additional Resources for Families
- FBI Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge: A free, interactive web game that increases youth awareness of online dangers.
- FBI Child ID App: An app that aids parents in keeping track of their children’s information for emergency situations.
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: Offers various resources and information aimed at keeping children safe in the online environment.
Stay Informed and Responsible
Community engagement plays a vital role in fostering a safe environment for Jacksonville’s youth. The “Be Smart Online” event is a step towards not only raising awareness but also encouraging active participation from families in ensuring safe online habits. For further information or to register for this timely and critical event, families are encouraged to visit the official FBI Jacksonville website or contact the Duval County Public Schools Parent Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Be Smart Online” event?
The “Be Smart Online” event is a program designed to educate parents, guardians, and children about the risks associated with social media and the long-term consequences of unsafe online behavior. It aims to help children avoid falling victim to online predators by sharing methods that predators use to target children and providing resources to report suspicious activity.
When and where is the event taking place?
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kernan Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida. The event is free and open to the public. Parents can register and submit questions for the event.
Who is hosting the event?
The event is a collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), and Duval County School Police.
Is the event free to attend?
Yes, the event is free and open to the public. Parents can register and submit questions for the event.
What resources are available for parents and educators?
Additional resources include the FBI Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge, the FBI Child ID App, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which provide information and tools to help keep children safe online.
Key Features of the “Be Smart Online” Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Be Smart Online |
| Date and Time | Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Location | Kernan Middle School, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Admission | Free and open to the public |
| Registration | Parents can register and submit questions for the event. |
| Program Focus | Educating about online risks and safe online habits |
| Target Audience | Parents, guardians, and educators |
| Additional Resources | FBI Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge, FBI Child ID App, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
