The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) to raise awareness about online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). This initiative is in collaboration with the National Football League (NFL) and NASCAR, as part of the Know2Protect campaign. The PSA, titled "It Only Takes 19 Seconds," demonstrates how quickly an online conversation can become dangerous. It encourages parents and trusted adults to visit know2protect.gov for resources on discussing these threats with children.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the urgency of preventing such crimes, stating, "Online child exploitation and abuse is one of the most heinous and urgent threats to our children. Preventing these horrific crimes from happening in the first place is central to the DHS mission." He acknowledged the critical role played by partners like NFL and NASCAR in disseminating educational resources.
NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier commented on the importance of preparing children for potential online dangers: "Online conversations can turn dangerous in the blink of an eye, and this latest PSA stresses the importance of preparing our kids to protect themselves." Tom Bryant, NASCAR Vice President of Racing Operations, reiterated NASCAR's commitment to supporting Know2Protect: "NASCAR is proud to continue its support of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Know2Protect initiative that provides valuable resources to families across the country."
Statistics reveal that one in five children receives unwanted sexual solicitations online each year. The increased use of technology has heightened this risk. Since its launch in April, Know2Protect has partnered with various organizations to spread awareness messages through different networks.
Founding partners NFL and NASCAR have utilized their platforms extensively by airing PSAs during events and sharing campaign resources throughout the year. During summer events like the NFL Flag Championship Series and NASCAR Yellawood 500, Homeland Security Investigations special agents engaged with parents and children, offering safety tips.
Know2Protect stands as a pioneering federal government campaign focusing on education and prevention against online CSEA. Through Project iGuardian—the campaign’s educational arm—schools, community groups, corporations, and nonprofits can request presentations led by HSI special agents or U.S. Secret Service agents under the Childhood Smart Program.
The campaign also provides educators with Back2School tips and classroom materials accessible via its website. Early intervention remains crucial; suspicions regarding a child's victimization can be reported through various tip lines provided by HSI or NCMEC.
