Digital Safety Alliance Marks One-Year Anniversary with the Launch of Digital Safety Virtual Assistant

MIAMI, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Digital Safety Alliance (DSA) is proud to celebrate its one-year anniversary with the launch of an innovative new tool, the Digital Safety Virtual Assistant, designed to help parents navigate digital safety challenges.

Over the past year, the DSA has driven critical conversations about the dangers young people face online via its Safe+Sound campaign in collaboration with Nicklaus Children's Hospital, including screen addiction, cyberbullying, sextortion, and exposure to harmful content. The need for action has never been greater:

• 1 in 4 children encounters mental health challenges linked to social media use
• 59% of teens  report experiencing cyberbullying, with long-term impacts on mental health
• Two thirds of parents express concerns about their children's screen time habits

Dr. Marisa Azaret, co-chair of the DSA Advisory Board and Director of Clinical Psychology at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, emphasized the urgency of the initiative:

"The digital world offers remarkable opportunities but comes with equally significant risks for young people. This Alliance is a platform to champion change, create awareness, and provide solutions and resources that protect our children's emotional and psychological well-being."

Introducing the Digital Safety Virtual Assistant

As part of its ongoing commitment to empower families, the DSA is launching the Digital Safety Virtual Assistant, a free and accessible resource that provides instant, evidence-based advice to parents on managing digital safety issues. From setting age-appropriate device boundaries to identifying the signs of cyberbullying, the chatbot offers parents practical guidance and support –anytime, anywhere.

"This Virtual Assistant is a game-changer for parents who need immediate, reliable resources and guidance to navigate the complex challenges of the digital world," says Lee Phillips, Co-founder of the Digital Safety Alliance and CEO of digital health firm Bluedoor Group. "By combining cutting-edge technology with expert insights, we are giving families a powerful, evidence-based tool to protect their children while fostering healthy digital habits."

Teen Voices at the Forefront

The Teen Advisory Board, a cornerstone of the DSA's strategy, will play an instrumental role in shaping programs, resources, and campaigns. Their insights ensure that initiatives remain relevant and impactful for their peers.

Here's what Aadya Chaudhary, 17, from Cypress Bay High School had to say: "Growing up in a digitally-dependent world, I've witnessed the negative effects of technology on youth, including my own experiences. After testing a few days without a phone, I noticed improved physical and mental well-being and deeper connections with family and friends. Things like technology addiction, combined with other serious issues that affect me and my peers daily, such as predatory online behavior, cyberbullying and combating misinformation, have fueled my passion for digital safety awareness."

Reflecting on Year One

Since its launch in January 2024, the DSA has made significant strides in creating a safer digital environment for families:

• Launched the Safe+Sound Campaign in collaboration with Nicklaus Children's Hospital – a comprehensive program designed for pediatric hospitals and health systems offering free resources for parents, educators, and caregivers on age-appropriate technology use.
• Partnered with schools through initiatives like iNvicta for Kids, an interactive digital safety certification program.
• Convened leaders across healthcare, education, and technology to advocate for stronger digital safeguards and industry standards.

Looking Ahead

Cindy Hallberlin, co-chair of the Digital Safety Alliance and Chief Collaboration Officer at the non-profit Digital Health Institute for Transformation, outlines the DSA's plans for the coming year: "In 2025, the DSA aims to expand its impact through community and corporate partnerships, advocacy efforts, research, and innovative programs that address emerging digital challenges. Key initiatives include integrating the latest research into youth-focused campaigns and leveraging technology to provide real-time digital safety guidance."

About the Digital Safety Alliance
Under the umbrella of Nicklaus Children's Hospital and the non-profit Digital Health Institute for Transformation, the Digital Safety Alliance serves as a "think-and-do tank" comprising parents, educators, healthcare providers, hospital administrators, national corporate partners, policymakers, and law enforcement officials to raise awareness, share best practices, and create a safer digital environment for kids. Forming an alliance of key stakeholders, the organization is committed to shining a national spotlight on this important issue and provides information, tools, educational programming, and resources to empower parents to make informed decisions when it comes to the digital safety of their children and advocate for digital safeguards and industry standards. For more information, visit digitalsafetyalliance.org.

About Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Where Your Child Matters Most™
Nicklaus Children's Hospital is South Florida's #1 nonprofit, freestanding specialty licensed hospital exclusively for children. With more than 850 physicians, including over 500 pediatric subspecialists, the hospital and its network of outpatient centers and offices serve close to 70% of children in the Miami market. The only hospital "where your child matters most™," Nicklaus Children's is home to the region's most advanced Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower, and its centers of excellence Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute, the Nicklaus Children's Orthopedics, Sports Health and Spine Institute, Nicklaus Children's Brain Institute and Nicklaus Children's Heart Institute. The Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Transfer Center, Nick4Kids, and LifeFlight are responsible for transporting and saving close to 5,000 lives a year. Our 325-bed hospital, which is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine, has many specialty programs routinely ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report since 2008. Nicklaus Children's is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern United States and since 2003 has been designated an American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet facility, the nursing profession's most prestigious institutional honor. For more information, please visit www.nicklauschildrens.org

For more information, visit digitalsafetyalliance.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nathalie Medina
[email protected]
305-663-8556

SOURCE Nicklaus Children's Hospital