Netsweeper: Inside The Sweeps

AI Safety in Schools: Responsible Use, Risks, and Safeguarding Students

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in classrooms, safeguarding teams and educators are being asked to balance innovation with responsibility. From generative AI tools that support learning and creativity to algorithm-driven systems shaping online experiences, the choices schools make today will have long-lasting implications for student safety and wellbeing.

In this podcast, we explore what safe and responsible use of AI really means in an educational context, cutting through the hype to focus on practical realities. The conversation examines the differences between generative and non-generative AI, why that distinction matters for safeguarding, and how visibility, policy, and proactive monitoring play a critical role in protecting young people online. We also discuss the evolving risks AI introduces, including exposure to harmful content, misuse of tools, and reduced transparency, alongside the opportunities AI presents when implemented thoughtfully.

With UK Safer Internet Day 2026 in mind, this conversation reflects the theme “Smart tech, safe choices: exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”, reinforcing a simple but vital message: AI safety isn’t a one-off conversation or an annual awareness moment. It’s an ongoing commitment that requires informed decision-making, clear boundaries, and a shared responsibility between technology providers, schools, and safeguarding leaders.

World Vision's Approach to Digital Safeguarding with Mark Bentley

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0500

John Robb is joined by Mark Bentley, Global Senior Advisor for Digital Safeguarding at World Vision, in the latest episode of Inside the Sweeps. Mark brings decades of frontline experience in online safety, child protection and digital wellbeing, and now helps one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations navigate the complex realities of keeping children safe in an increasingly connected world.

Mark discusses the practical challenges of safeguarding in low-tech settings, the role partnerships and technology can play, and why lasting change requires cultural shifts and local capacity—not just tools. Listen in for clear, experience-based insight into what meaningful digital protection looks like today and what success should mean going forward.

The Ripple Effect: How R;pple Suicide Prevention Technology is Saving Lives

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

R;pple: A Digital Suicide Prevention Tool Offering Hope in Moments of Crisis

Suicide prevention is one of the most urgent challenges of our time, and technology is beginning to play a critical role in offering hope when it matters most. In this episode of Inside the Sweep, we revisit a powerful conversation with Alice Hendy, founder of R;pple Suicide Prevention, a digital tool created in memory of her brother Josh. R;pple is designed to intervene at the exact moment someone may be searching for harmful content online—offering not instructions to give up, but a lifeline toward help and healing.

Alice joins host John Robb to share R;pple’s journey since its early days, the partnerships making real impact, and the evolving role of technology and AI in suicide prevention. This is a conversation about resilience, innovation, and above all, the reminder that there is always hope.

FBI San Diego Shares Tips to Keep Kids Safe Online and Avoid Sextortion

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0400

The internet has opened a world of opportunity for young people—but it has also created new dangers. One of the most alarming is sextortion, a form of online exploitation that disproportionately targets children and teens, often with devastating emotional and psychological consequences. As predators use social media and gaming platforms to manipulate and coerce youth, the urgency for awareness, early intervention, and prevention has never been greater.

On this episode of Inside the Sweeps, we’re joined by Greg Hansen, Supervisory Special Agent with the San Diego FBI unit, to shed light on the growing threat of sextortion. We’ll explore how this crime impacts young victims and their families, the patterns law enforcement is seeing, and the critical steps being taken to stop it. Join us for an important conversation about protecting kids and confronting the realities of online exploitation

Byte-Sized Safety: Empowering Youth for a Safer Online World

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, online safety has become a critical issue, particularly for young people who are increasingly exposed to a range of cyber threats. From harmful content to cyberbullying, the organizations focused on safeguarding vulnerable groups. The Ghana Internet Safety Foundation is one such organization, playing an essential role in creating safer online spaces and empowering young internet users across Ghana. Through its initiatives, the foundation educates, advocates, and works alongside schools, parents, and communities to foster a safer digital environment. 

On our most recent episode of Inside the Sweeps, we’re excited to welcome Emmanuel Adinkrah from the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation to discuss the vital work they are doing to ensure a safer internet experience for Ghana’s youth. Tune in as we explore how the foundation is working to address the unique challenges of the digital age, providing practical strategies to navigate the online world with confidence and responsibility.

Breaking Barriers and Building Safer Online Spaces with AOSP

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0400

In recent years, the digital world has become a battleground against a rising tide of online threats, which pose significant risks to individuals, particularly children and teenagers. The increasing sophistication of online dangers highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to online safety and social media literacy to target vulnerable youth. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to educate and protect individuals from these evolving dangers. Initiatives like those spearheaded by Africa Online Safety Platform are crucial in addressing these issues and safeguarding online communities.

On our most recent episode of Inside the Sweeps, we’re excited to welcome Lorryn Williams and Heather Mahachi from the Africa Online Safety Platform. Lorryn and Heather will share valuable insights into the organization’s mission and their comprehensive approach to tackling online risks. We’ll explore how AOSP is working to enhance digital security, educate users, and protect against online threats. Tune in as we discuss their innovative strategies and practical advice for navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.

Protecting Kids from Online Grooming: Insights and Impact of the Breck Foundation

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

On our most recent episode of Inside the Sweeps, we are joined by Erica Thornton, CEO of the Breck Foundation, where we will delve into the critical topic of online safety. Erica brings her expertise to the forefront as we explore strategies to protect children and adolescents from the increasing dangers of online predators, and other digital threats. Join us as we discuss the foundation's mission, initiatives, and practical advice for families navigating the complexities of the digital age.

Fighting Fraud with Stop Scams UK

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In today's digital age, scams have become an increasingly prevalent threat, invading various aspects of society, and impacting individuals, businesses, and communities worldwide. With the proliferation of online interactions, including social media, e-commerce, and digital banking, scammers have seized numerous opportunities to exploit unsuspecting victims. From sophisticated phishing emails and fraudulent websites to elaborate investment schemes and identity theft, scams manifest in diverse forms, posing significant risks to individuals' financial security and personal well-being. As technology continues to advance and scammers adapt their tactics, the prevalence of scams underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention measures and heightened awareness to mitigate their detrimental effects.

On our most recent episode of Inside the Sweeps, we are joined by Emma Harvey, Chief Digital Officer for Stop Scams UK, where we will delve into the intricacies of fraud prevention and protection against deceptive practices. As we navigate through this landscape, we'll explore the valuable insights provided by Stop Scams UK, which are dedicated to empowering communities with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize and mitigate the risks of fraudulent activities. Join us as we uncover the strategies and resources available to individuals and businesses to navigate the ever-evolving threat of scams.

From Startup to Industry Leader: Netsweeper's 25th Anniversary Special

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Netsweeper stands as a beacon in the realm of cybersecurity and content filtering, celebrating a 25-year legacy of technological innovation and global impact. The company emerged with a mission to create cutting-edge solutions that safeguard the digital landscape. Over the years, Netsweeper has not only met but exceeded its goals, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Known for its robust content filtering tools, Netsweeper has been at the forefront of enabling organizations to navigate the complex challenges of the digital age, ensuring a secure and controlled online environment. With a commitment to excellence and adaptability, Netsweeper has expanded its influence across borders, providing cybersecurity solutions that resonate with clients worldwide.

On our most recent episode of Inside the Sweeps, we are joined by the visionary founders and owners of Netsweeper, Perry Roach and Lou Erdelyi, who will take us on a journey through the company's inception, share insights into their monumental achievements, and provide a glimpse into the strategies that propelled Netsweeper to become a global leader in the cybersecurity domain. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Netsweeper's success and explore the lessons learned over a quarter-century of innovation and adaptability.

Voices Unite: Empowering Change with BulliesOut

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Anti-Bullying Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and taking a stand against all forms of bullying. This week serves as a crucial reminder of driving conversations and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the often unseen, yet deeply harmful, effects of cyberbullying. By highlighting this form of harassment, it encourages education, empathy, and proactive measures to create a safer online environment for everyone, especially for the younger generation who are more susceptible to its consequences.

On our most recent episode of Inside the Sweeps we have Linda James, Founder and CEO of BulliesOut discusses the lasting impact of cyberbullying on mental health, social relationships, and overall wellbeing, emphasizing the need for ongoing support, prevention, and intervention strategies to create a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

Securing the Digital Realm: IT’s Role in Cybersecurity Awareness

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0400

In an era where our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology, this annual event serves as a reminder of the ever-present threats and the collective responsibility to protect our digital landscape. IT professionals and departments are at the forefront of this mission, acting as the guardians of our digital realm. They develop and implement security measures, ensure data privacy, and educate users about safe online practices.

On our most recent episode of Inside the Sweeps we have Ryan King, System Engineer from Netsweeper, exploring the intricacies of cybersecurity and the vital role it plays in our modern lives. We delve into the significance of IT's role in Cybersecurity Awareness Month being instrumental in raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and empowering individuals and organizations to fortify their digital defenses, fostering a safer online environment for all.

From Risks to Regulations: Protecting Children

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 14:00:00 -0400

On our most recent episode of Inside the Sweeps we have Lloyd Richardson from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection speaking about the significance of ensuring the safety of children online, driven by the surge in online risks, the emergence of AI-generated CSAM, and the necessity for rigorous regulatory measures to counteract and prevent the spread of such harmful content.

The Rise of Digital Deception: How to Safeguard Yourself in the Digital Age

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0400

In the latest podcast, we speak with Jorji Abraham who runs the Global Anti-Scam Alliance — a non-profit organization, that brings together policymakers from governments, law enforcement, consumer protection organizations, and the cyber security sector to share intelligence on scams, what's happening in the market, and discuss new ways to fight scammers

From Pixels to Predators: The Battle Against Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

Thu, 25 May 2023 15:00:00 -0400

As technology advances, so do the risks faced by children, making it essential to prioritize their protection. Online platforms provide predators with unprecedented access to potential victims, allowing them to exploit, groom, and harm children from the safety of their screens.

It is essential to continuously raise awareness, educate children and adults about online risks, and promote responsible digital citizenship. By strengthening collaboration between governments, law enforcement agencies, and technology companies to develop and enforce robust policies, laws, and regulations, we can create an environment where children can explore the digital realm without the risk of falling victim to abuse.

In the latest podcast, we speak with Eleanor Linsell and Alessandra Tranquilli of WeProtect Global Alliance.

Protecting Mental Health with onGuard via Co-op Academies Trust

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Many students struggle to manage their feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. These mental health challenges can affect students’ behaviour and academic outcomes. Without proper monitoring and intervention, students can be left vulnerable to cyberbullying, violence, self-harm, and even suicide.

Student safeguarding is essential to their development and learning. Netsweeper’s onGuard solution provides tools to identify and quickly intervene when students are at risk.

On our most recent episode of Inside the Sweeps, Nick Finch from Co-op Academies Trust discusses the struggles their trusts was facing, and how Netsweeper’s onGuard safeguarding solution has helped them overcome them.

Making the Move: Shiawassee RESD's Transition to Netsweeper

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Having an effective web filtering solution is an essential component when it comes to schools safeguarding strategies. If a filter does not meet all your needs, it can put students at risk for cyberbullying, accessing harmful content, violence, self-harm, and other serious threats.

On our most recent episode of Inside the Sweeps we have Todd Mein and Jackie Carstens from Shiawassee Regional Education Service District speaking about their transition from a competitor to Netsweeper’s single web filtering solution, and how their experience with us has been so far.

Creating Hope Through Action with Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Today I sit down with Elisa Brewer-Singh from the WRSPC. We’ll discuss ways to identify those who may be at risk, invitations for help and how we can incorporate a variety of tools and resources, including technology, to raise awareness and create a community of support around those who may be struggling.

RESOURCES

Here 24/7: 1-844-437-3247 https://here247.ca/

Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 Text 45645 https://talksuicide.ca/

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Text 686868 https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council: visit https://wrspc.ca/

BeThere.Org’s Five Golden Rules Framework Be There - Mental health support

Feelings Wheel: https://wrspc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/feelings-wheel-flyer-handout-revised-8-inch-final-wrspc-apr-2018-curves.pdf

School Mental Health Ontario: https://smho-smso.ca/

Reducing Suicide with R;pple and Netsweeper

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Suicide and mental health awareness has been an increasingly hot topic over the past few years, even more so now in the grips of the pandemic. More time at home has meant more time online. While that has been a shelter for some providing entertainment, connection, and fun; for others it can be a downward spiral. The internet is often an unchecked place, where content following a harmful online search is far too readily available.

Alice Hendy joins Inside the Sweeps to discuss her personal story and R;pple Suicide Prevention, a charity created from her own family tragedy. With help from Netsweeper, Alice was able to launch the R;pple Tool which looks to reduce exposure to harmful online content relating to self-harm and suicide while also providing immediate support to those experiencing a mental health crisis.

Petition
https://bit.ly/3GEfByk

Links Mentioned
https://www.ripplesuicideprevention.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ripplesuicideprevention/
https://www.facebook.com/Ripplesuicideprevention
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-hendy-ripple-suicide-prevention-87a486202/
https://www.netsweeper.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/netsweeperinc/mycompany/
https://www.facebook.com/netsweeperinc
https://twitter.com/netsweeper

Discussing Bullying Prevention with DaretoCare

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0400

Kimberly from the DaretoCare organization joins the podcast to provide tips to educators and parents of how to successfully tackle bullying in schools(in-person or virtual) along with key information and insights into what bullying may look like.

DaretoCare's mantra is "No one (child or adult) should go to school and feel alone, unwelcome or afraid."

Resources Discussed
Prevnet.ca (out of UBC)
kidshelpphone.ca

Contact Kimberly to inquire about DaretoCare's learning virtual program.
Phone: 403.606.3038
Email: l.kimberly.edwards@gmail.com

About DaretoCare
Dare to Care was founded in 1999 because of a need to address the pervasive and crippling issue of bullying that continues to affect children, youth, and adults to this day. Due to the lack of existing bully prevention resources available at that time, Dare to Care was the first comprehensive program launched in Canada to tackle the issue. Dare to Care was created with the understanding that bullying is a societal issue and that if we are to have any impact, all stakeholders within a school, community or workplace must be involved in creating a climate of change.

Discussion with Mark Bentley from (LGfL) London Grid for Learning

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 13:00:00 -0400

Mark Bentley joins us on the podcast to discuss the importance of digital safeguarding for students and what LGfL is doing to help schools in the UK enable cybersecurity and digital safeguarding. Mark also speaks about the new "Online Safety" Bill and the impact of that for digital safeguarding.

LGfL-The National Grid for Learning is a multi-award winning not-for-profit Charitable Trust, which aims to save schools money, keep children safe, tackle inequality, energise teaching and learning and enhance wellbeing. It is a founder member of the National Education Network and providers super-fast fiber connectivity for over 3,000 schools. It is a center of excellence for online safety, cybersecurity and provides support for special educational needs as well as a large online portfolio of online learning resources.

Visit LGfL Website

Links Mentioned
twitter.com/LGfLDigiSafe

safenewsletter.lgfl.net

Impact of Cyberbullying- Conversation with BullyingInternational

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0400

BullyingCanada has been serving bullied Canadian youths and their families since 2006. BullyingCanada is the only national organization that resolves bullying situations for Canadian youth by directly facilitating communication between bullied kids, their tormentors, parents, teachers, school boards, social services, and, when necessary, police.

Understanding the need for relief from bullying and cyberbullying worldwide, BullyingCanada has launched the BullyingInternational family of charities to bring its methodology and expertise to those in need.

Information on how to get involved can be found at www.BullyingCanada.ca, www.BullyingUSA.org, and www.BullyingInternational.org—or by calling (877) 352-4497 toll-free in North America.

Netsweeper & emPSN Partnership

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 22:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Umair Ahmed hosts Netsweeper's Craig Butler and Beki Fowkes from emPSN to discuss the partnership between the two organisations.

emPSN are a not-for-profit in the UK delivering broadband and IT service to schools and local governments across the East Midlands. emPSN have been working with Netsweeper to provide schools with safe and secure connectivity for the past 15 years and in this episode, Craig and Beki talk about how the two organisations continue to work together to achieve this.

If listeners would like to know more they can reach out to Rebecca Fowkes, Marketing & Communications lead at emPSN.

empSN Contact
Phone:01604 879869
Email: empsn@empsn.org.uk
Website: www.empsn.org.uk

Netsweeper Contact
Email: Craig.Butler@netsweeper.com
Website: www.netsweeper.com

Misconceptions Regarding Web-Filtering & Cloud

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 22:00:00 -0500

Making the Internet a Safer Place - Netsweeper's Mission, A Discussion with CEO Perry Roach

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0500

Inside The Sweeps

Perry Roach joins me on the episode to discuss the important issues such as child exploitation and other illegal activities Netsweeper is trying to overcome to make the online world a safer place.

Listen to learn about Netsweeper's company history, its mission today, and the goals for the near future.

View recent Toronto Star article written by Perry Roach

Perry's Email: Perry.roach@netsweeper.com
Netsweeper Website: Netsweeper.com
Sales Contact: sales@netsweeper.com

Host: Umair Ahmed

Netsweeper & Niagara Networks Partnership

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0500

Learn More About Netsweeper and Niagara Networks Joint Solution

Niagara Networks and Netsweeper join forces to solve challenges with unprecedented agile integration in a unified high-performance platform to enable full packet visibility and content control for carrier-grade environments. Niagara Networks’ serves as mediation layer visibility toolkit that captures all traffic of interest at any rate, from anywhere in the network, and delivers laser-precision flows from packet broker to Netsweeper for comprehensive internet content classification, filtering, reporting and threat detection.

Zeev Draer and Yigal Amram from Niagara Networks and Hisyam Halim from Netsweeper join me on the podcast to discuss the partnership and the joint solution.

Feel free to reach out to any of the guests to learn more about Niagara Networks and the partnership.

Zeev Drear: zeevd@niagaranetworks.com

Yigal Amram: yigala@niagaranetworks.com

Hisyam Halim: hisyam.halim@netsweeper.com

Emerging Trends In Safeguarding Technology

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:00:00 -0400

Inside The Sweeps

Nick Levey joins us from the UK to discuss the emerging trends in safeguarding technology space, topics like march to the cloud. I also get to pick his brain about topics such as the need for schools to use technology to improve student mental health in times of increasing uncertainty and added pressures of at-home working.

Host: Umair Ahmed (Product Marketing Specialist)
Email: (umair.ahmed@netsweeper.com)

Guest: Nick Levey (UK Education Division Manager)
Email: (nick.levey@netsweeper.com)

Visit Our Website

Music: (www.bensound.com)

Business Edition: Importance of Internet Security and Governance for Organizations and Businesses

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Inside The Sweeps- Business Edition

Mike Chambers stops by to discuss the importance of businesses and organizations implementing web filtering to protect themselves and their employees online.

Host: Umair Ahmed (Product Marketing Specialist)
Email: (umair.ahmed@netsweeper.com)

Guest: Mike Chambers (Business Category Manager)
Email: (mike.chambers@netsweeper.com)

Website: (https://www.netsweeper.com/business/)

Music: (www.bensound.com)

Implementing Web Filtering In Schools

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 13:00:00 -0400

Debut Episode of Inside The Sweeps- Education Edition.

Netsweeper's Product Manager, Chris Garstin, and I discuss
web filtering in schools, some key tips for ensuring student safety, and how Netsweeper plays a role in safeguarding students.

Host: Umair Ahmed (Product Marketing Specialist)
Guest: Chris Garstin (Product Manager)
Email: (umair.ahmed@netsweeper.com)

Website: (https://www.netsweeper.com/education)

Music: (www.bensound.com)