DHS K2P Collaborates With Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling to Empower Military and Family members, Staff and Other Trusted Adults to Recognize and Prevent Online Child Exploitation and Abuse

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Know2Protect campaign and Joint Base Anacostia-Boling came together to help the military community protect children from online child sexual exploitation and abuse during a Back to School Info Night Aug. 20.

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Know2Protect is the first federal government campaign focused on the education and prevention of online child sexual exploitation and abuse. The campaign’s mission is to mobilize young people, parents, educators and community leaders to learn the signs of this crime, what they can do to prevent it, how to report it to law enforcement, and how to support survivors.

Throughout the months of August and September, when the majority of the nation’s kids are returning back to school, Know2Protect is providing free educational resources through its Back2School campaign, which is geared toward individuals and agencies who often work with children.

“Events like JBAB’s Back to School Night and programs like Know2Protect provide us with opportunities to reach out directly to our target audience,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon. “Collaborations like this are beneficial because they also provide us with invaluable, innovative weapons that allow us to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse."

One in five children receives an unwanted sexual solicitation online every year, according to statistics from the Department of Justice. Educating children and teens about these risks and what to do if they are targeted by online predators is key to preventing these heinous crimes.

“While there is no doubt that military children and teens are well versed in the importance of protecting personal information, there may be times — such as during a military move — that they may let their guard down in hopes of making a new friend,” said Know2Protect Campaign Director Kate Kennedy. “These types of collaborations are extremely important because they give both agencies, and the experts within, greater access to the trusted adults who can best protect children from harm.”

To reach as many children as possible, Know2Protect has developed the following educational, age-appropriate, downloadable #Back2School with Know2Protect resources to help keep kids safe online:

• Resources2Educate, including short iGuardian Training Videos, Tips2Identify Exploitation and Abuse for Educators, and other tips for kids, teens and parents to stay safe online.

• Resources2Send Home, such as the Know2Protect First Day of School Picture Sign, a Family Online Safety Agreement and an Internet Safety Checklist to prompt families to think about online safety at home.

• Resources2Display in Your School, such as digital and printable posters and tipsheets to display in classrooms, hallways and more.

• Activities for the Classroom, such as 10 Minutes2Protect activities using Tips2Protect for Teens, a crossword puzzle, a word search, all-out bingo, Project iGuardian Coloring Pages and Project iGuardian avatars.

“Children represent opportunity, hope and future potential,” said Gordon. “They are undoubtedly some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, which is why HSI’s dedication to protecting children from online sexual predators cannot be overstated.”

Since its launch in April, the campaign has established partners in government, education, sports, technology, youth-serving organizations and several other industries to meet people where they are and deliver the campaign’s preventive tips to keep kids safe.

Military leaders, child advocates, educators and administrators can book free in-person or virtual iGuardian training events for their employees, members, parents, after-school programs and students. These educational presentations are provided by special agents from HSI and geared toward specific audiences.

To date, Know2Protect has educated over 82,900 adults and children and completed over 1,000 events and presentations to spread awareness and prevention tactics about online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Early intervention is crucial. If exploitation happens, approach conversations with care and empathy and report it immediately to the Know2Protect Tipline at 833-591-KNOW or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline. All information received via the Tipline will be reviewed by appropriate personnel and referred to HSI field offices for potential investigation.

Know2Protect is a national public awareness campaign from the Department of Homeland Security. Know2Protect’s aim is to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent, combat and report online child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information, please visit Know2Protect’s YouTube playlists at Know2Protect Campaign PSA Playlist and Know2Protect Digital Safety Series Playlist on DHS’ main channel. Additional resources are available at Know2Protect.gov, Instagram, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.