IRVING, Tex. (June 12, 2024) Scouting America and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided the first of many presentations of the Project iGuardian program to the Scouting America Middle Tennessee Council.
“We would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations for taking the time to present on such an important matter,” said Larry Brown, Scout Executive for the Scouting America Middle Tennessee Council. “Being aware of online risks will help keep our Scouts safe and our parents informed.”
Scouting America and DHS partnered with public and private sector organizations nationwide for this first-of-its-kind national public awareness campaign about the risks children face in the online environment. Part of the Know2Protect program, iGuardian provides the opportunity for every Scout in America to meet directly with Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
“HSI is proud to partner with youth-serving organizations like Scouting America to educate children and adults in their lives with vitally important information about the threats they face online,” said HSI Nashville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “HSI is leading the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse by targeting offenders and rescuing victims. Our Project iGuardian educates today’s young people about how to stay safe in the digital environment, while raising public awareness of online dangers.”
Online child exploitation and abuse is reaching epidemic proportions and threatens the safety of children globally. Project iGuardian educates and empowers young people, parents, and trusted adults on ways to prevent and combat exploitation and abuse both on and offline, explain how to report incidents of these crimes, and offer support resources for victims and survivors of online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
The presentation covered tactics used by online predators, the information devices give away about users, including children, and ways that families can stay safe while online.
“The critical information shared directly by Special Agents can and will literally save lives,” said Glen Pounder, Scouting America’s Chief Safeguarding Officer. “Law enforcement alone cannot protect our children online, there simply aren’t enough cops. Bad guys trick their way into kids’ lives via apps and games; it can happen over a long period of time or within minutes. Scouts learn that if they make a mistake, we will help them, no matter what. I hope every Scout in America can become a digital leader through iGuardian, only these criminals need to be afraid.”
About Scouting America
Scouting America offers unique programs focused on character development, leadership and outdoor exploration that provides a lifetime of benefits and helps young people be prepared for life.
Scouting invites every youth to a safe, fun place to learn, explore, and grow. Scouting America aims to prepare young people for lives of impact and purpose. We welcome, at every level of our movement, youth and families who wish to live such a life of impact and purpose, guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.
To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, visit Scouting.org.