Close to 150 community police officers in Malta have completed specialised training aimed at helping them respond to online abuse and better protect children navigating the digital world.A total of 148 officers completed the Child-Friendly Community Policing in Today’s Online World course, which focused on online safety, recognising risks and building trust with children and young people.The officers received their certification or MQF Level 4 Award during a graduation ceremony attended by Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield and Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà.The accredited course was delivered through POP-Up, a project forming part of the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society.Following the training, officers are expected to be better equipped to handle reports involving online risks, identify potentially dangerous online behaviour and communicate with children in a sensitive and child-friendly manner.The course also focused on active listening, empathy and early intervention, while providing officers with tools they can use to promote safer digital practices during visits to schools and communities.“We want a police force that protects, listens and remains close to the community, both in the real world and online,” Bedingfield said.“With 148 officers having completed this training, we are strengthening the Force’s ability to create an environment where children feel safe speaking up and seeking help.”Gafà said protecting children today requires police to understand both their physical and online worlds, arguing that the relationships officers build with children can determine whether they feel comfortable coming forward when something is wrong.Former President and MFWS Chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca also welcomed the initiative, saying the training strengthens officers’ ability to respond to challenges facing young people online “with professionalism, empathy and understanding”.Police Sergeant Abigail Sciberras, who achieved the highest marks on the course, said the training had strengthened her understanding of active listening, online safety and trust-building when engaging with young people.•