Know2Protect is a DHS public awareness campaign to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation™.
Washington, DC
Joined November 2023
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“The moment a young person tells a trusted adult, the offender is no longer in control.”
Glen Pounder, Scouting America’s Chief Safeguarding Officer, explains why speaking up matters in financially-motivated sextortion cases: bit.ly/3StNygq
Visit bit.ly/4j5yKiJ to learn the Tips2Protect Against Sextortion to recognize warning signs and start conversations that can save lives. #Know2Protect
This #VeteransDay, meet the Human Exploitation Rescue Operations — or “HERO” — Child-Rescue Corps.
Veterans like U.S. Army vet Benjamin Rosario with @HSISanJuan trade one uniform for another mission: protecting kids online.
Trained and supported by @HSI_HQ, they examine digital evidence to help combat child exploitation and recover survivors. Read Benjamin’s story from The Virgin Islands Consortium (@viconsortium) at: bit.ly/3TpYWu8 and learn more about the HERO program at: ice.gov/careers/hero
ALT New alert for an article about an HSI Forensic Analyst and Army veteran who helps recover survivors of child exploitation.
"Stranger danger" looks different online. ⚠️
Someone can take time to build trust, learn a child’s interests and make themselves seem like a supportive, new friend before asking for something which can make danger feel hard to recognize.
Know the threats and learn the warning signs to watch out for at bit.ly/4ibrwch.
ALT A male teenager smiles in the foreground with a blurry overlay of a serious adult male in the background. Text reads, "Stranger danger looks different online."
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#ProjectiGuardian proves that turning awareness into action can happen through community conversations. 💬
In fiscal year 2026, our presentations led to 51 victim disclosures and 14 investigative leads to @HSI_HQ — reminding us that knowledge can empower people to recognize concerns, speak up and help protect children on the internet. (1/2)
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Even with a record 124-day lapse in appropriations, more than a third of the year, Project iGuardian still reached nearly 100,000 people, on par with FY25 and FY24.
Read the Project iGuardian FY26 Annual Report here: bit.ly/3X79b7T
To schedule a presentation for your school or community, email iGuardian.hq@hsi.dhs.gov. #InternetSafety #Know2Protect (2/2)
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Thank you, Child Rescue Coalition, for highlighting that children may not perceive online contacts as strangers, especially when those contacts appear familiar, friendly or share common interests.
Ongoing conversations can help children recognize risks and know when to seek help from a trusted adult.
Visit our Know2Protect All Resources page to find approachable tips and guidance on how to talk about digital threats: dhs.gov/know2protect/all-res…
To kids, an online friend doesn’t feel like a stranger, and predators count on that. Remind them that anyone online can pretend to be someone else, including another kid. Watch for warning signs like a new “friend” who gives gifts, gaming credits or a lot of attention.
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This National #Adoption Month, remember that online safety is an important part of every young person’s well-being.
Through open conversations and practical guidance, parents, caregivers and other trusted adults can help foster and adoptive youth navigate digital spaces.
Every child deserves to feel safe, at home and online. Visit know2protect.gov to learn how you can help protect foster and adoptive youth online.
Reply with a 🧡 to show support for foster and adoptive families! #Know2Protect
ALT Framed image of a family smiling with text that reads, "November is National Adoption Month!"
Thank you to everyone who joined us at @NFPAOnline’s 55th Education Conference in Crystal City, VA! 🧡
We shared our Build T.R.U.S.T. and Cyber-Bullying Exit Strategy presentations with foster, adoptive and kinship caregivers to help prevent online child exploitation and abuse. #Know2Protect
ALT Collage of conference attendees visiting a Know2Protect exhibit booth and engaging in online safety discussions.
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Don’t let a trick hide behind a treat this #Halloween! 🎃
The truth is that you never truly know who’s behind new profiles online.
Discover the How2Spot Online Predators resource at bit.ly/46Pi8Vh along with more tips for having safer online interactions this season!
#ProjectiGuardian #Know2Protect
ALT Illustration of a creepy person with a featureless face holding various electronic devices with text that reads, "Who's on the other side? When chatting with new profiles online, you never truly know who is behind the screen."
Know2Protect retweeted
@Know2Protect provides resources to help keep kids and teens safe online, educating trusted adults about child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) prevention. Explore the campaign’s resources and learn how to protect young people online. mandatedreportertraining.com…
Sextortion and other online crimes against children can be prevented. Listen to the Tim Tebow Foundation's message to learn about the types of sextortionists that target kids and visit know2protect.gov to learn how to recognize the signs, how to report the crimes and empower children to do the same.
Do you know the top three types of Sextortion targeting teens?
1 in 5 teens have experienced Sextortion, but not enough American parents know what it is, how it works, and what to do if it happens to their child.
Now is the time to defend your family.
Here are your action steps:
First, learn the three types of sextortion by watching this video.
Second, share this video with other parents in your community.
Third, have the conversation with your child so they know what to do if these predators are targeting them. To help you start that convo, visit timtebowfoundation.org/while…
Now is the time.
Protect your family.
Start the conversation.
Share with others.
Defending the Most Vulnerable,
Tim Tebow Foundation
Know2Protect retweeted
Here’s how sextortion works.
A predator gets an explicit image of a child, real or faked with AI, and uses it as a weapon. But not every predator wants the same thing, and what they want tells you which kind of sextortion it is:
•Sexually motivated: they want more images. It most often targets girls.
•Financially motivated: they want money. These predators often pose as a girl to get a teenage boy to send one image, then threaten to share it unless he pays.
•Sadistically motivated: they want to see a child suffer. They force kids to hurt themselves or others, and they record it.
No matter which kind it is, the predator is counting on your child’s silence. One conversation can break that.
Get the tools to start it: timtebowfoundation.org/while…
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988 anytime.
Know2Protect retweeted
Educators: If you know a child or teen who has experienced online exploitation, you can provide crucial support. One of the most important things you can do is let them know that what happened is not their fault. Learn more from @Know2Protect: go.dhs.gov/5pr
Know2Protect retweeted
PARENTS: Very important info here on how to protect your kids from online predators. Please watch and repost✔️
“The moment a young person tells a trusted adult, the offender is no longer in control.”
Glen Pounder, Scouting America’s Chief Safeguarding Officer, explains why speaking up matters in financially-motivated sextortion cases: bit.ly/3StNygq
Visit bit.ly/4j5yKiJ to learn the Tips2Protect Against Sextortion to recognize warning signs and start conversations that can save lives. #Know2Protect
Principals play a critical role in helping protect students, on campus — and online. 🍎
This #NationalPrincipalsMonth, bring a Project iGuardian presentation to your school to help students and trusted adults recognize online exploitation risks: bit.ly/4k8Sd2v
ALT Graphic that reads, "October is National Principals Month!" with an image of a student and principal together.
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A place. A logo. An everyday object. 🔍 Small details can make a big difference in helping to locate and protect a child.
#Identify2Protect, a new @DHSgov Cyber Crimes Center initiative, asks the public to review non-explicit images from unsolved child exploitation cases and submit tips.
Visit Identify2Protect to take action today: dhs.gov/know2protect/identif…
On Wednesday, @POTUS Donald J. Trump hosted The @WhiteHouse Roundtable on Executive Order 14390, “Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens.”
During the event, @DHSgov Secretary Markwayne Mullin highlighted DHS’s role as co-lead of the Homeland Security Task Force. Working alongside federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, DHS is helping dismantle cybercriminal syndicates and safeguard communities.
@SecMullinDHS also emphasized the importance of protecting families from online exploitation: “Most critically, we are protecting our families through what is known as Know2Protect.”
Learn how Know2Protect can help families stay safer online: know2protect.gov
Together, We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation. 🤝
@realDonaldTrump #OnlineSafety #Know2Protect
ALT Photo of President Trump seated alongside members of his administration at a formal table, leading a Roundtable about fighting cybercrime at The White House.
What a great weekend for adventure, community and online safety! 🏕️
Last month, #Know2Protect joined Scouting America’s Adventure Weekend to share tips about online safety. Keep your Scouts safe online with #ProjectiGuardian free presentations: bit.ly/3XJu9rR
ALT Collage of outdoor event photos featuring law enforcement personnel and community members posing with a large eagle mascot and service canine.
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Know2Protect retweeted
"DHS is leading the way by serving as a co-lead on the @HSTaskForce working with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies across the country and fight to dismantle the cyber syndicates and secure our communities. Most critically we are protecting our families through what is known as @Know2Protect" @SecMullinDHS
Know2Protect retweeted
Whether kids and teens are scrolling social media, gaming or livestreaming, setting #DigitalBoundaries can help protect their privacy and mental health.
Real-life examples include keeping personal info private, being careful who they message, limiting screen time and knowing when to log off.
Check out @Know2Protect’s Social Media and Online Gaming Checklist for quick tips about what it means to stay safe online at know2protect.gov
ALT Graphic showing a child using a smartphone. Text reads: “#Digital boundaries,” “Boundaries create balance.” “Together we can stop online child exploitation,” and “To learn more, visit know2protect.gov.” The graphic also includes the “know2protect” logo.