My name is Fareedah Shaheed (aka CyberFareedah). Like many kids today, I was once a teen who loved being on my phone every chance I got (and doing things my parents didn't approve of!). Today, I'm a Forbes 30 Under 30 Internet Safety Expert whose passion is helping parents keep their children safe online. But my journey here was anything but straightforward.

As a teen, unbeknown to my parents, I connected with a predator online who portrayed himself as a trustworthy friend.  And I was seconds away from running away from home when, at the last minute, I decided to confide in my mom. The conversation she and I had that day changed my life forever and inspired the work I do today.

Inspired by my own  experiences, I developed the SAFE Method—a unique approach to teaching internet safety that emphasizes the need for creating safe spaces between parent and child as the cornerstone of protecting kids online.

I have a professional background in cybersecurity and threat intelligence. And I've had the honor of sharing my insights with companies like Mozilla, H&M, FedEx, Common Sense Networks, Love146, and NASA. My work has also been featured in Cisco, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, NASDAQ, FOX 46, NBC4, Yahoo! and more.

But what truly fulfills me is connecting with loving parents like you! I'm passionate about helping you connect with your child so that together you can create a safer digital world for them and your family!


FUN FACT:
I grew up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia so naturally, I identify as a third culture child. I started a podcast called The Accidental Arab, to give a platform for people who grew up as third culture kids to share their journeys. My experiences as a third culture child has actually helped me in my cybersecurity career and business but that’s a story for another day!