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Blue ribbons fluttering from a tree outside Navy Elementary School carry a message that technology specialist Chrissy McLaughlin wants every student to understand: Children deserve to feel safe, loved and protected.

McLaughlin’s advocacy for child-abuse awareness grew from the loss of her son, Zach, who died at 14 months old. Her signature blue hair honors him, and she has channeled her grief into educating others and promoting protections for vulnerable children.

The issue affects thousands of families. Fairfax County is home to nearly 260,000 children, and more than 4,300 of them encountered Child Protective Services in 2025. Nationwide, abuse and neglect claimed the lives of more than 1,700 children in 2024. Two-thirds were younger than 3.

McLaughlin described child abuse as a “silent epidemic” because it often happens behind closed doors to children who may not know how to ask for help.

Fairfax County officially recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month for the first time in 2026. The Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation March 17, joining efforts involving Fairfax County Public Schools, the Fairfax County Police Department and Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates.

At Navy Elementary, McLaughlin helped a small group of students explore what the awareness campaign means. They learned how blue ribbons and pinwheels symbolize every child’s right to safety, love and protection. They also discussed recognizing when someone may be hurt or unsafe and telling a trusted adult.

Sixth grader Andy said the project shows children experiencing abuse that they have support and are not alone.

Another sixth grader, Sanaya, said awareness matters because abuse affects children worldwide. She said she felt honored to help McLaughlin with an effort intended to make more children feel safe.

Valeria, also in sixth grade, said children need safe, welcoming environments in which to grow. Talking about abuse, she said, helps people recognize it as a problem that requires action.

Students brought that message to life by threading fishing line through strips of blue ribbon and placing them across the branches of a flowering tree at the school’s entrance. Their individual contributions became a shared display affirming that every child deserves safety.

McLaughlin wants students to know they are supposed to be cared for, happy, safe and loved. Her message has endured among former students, some of whom return wearing blue and continue honoring Zach’s memory.

The campaign has also inspired blue pancakes made at home, classroom donations, handwritten notes, artwork and personal stories. What began as a lesson has grown into an annual community tradition centered on empathy and action.

Anyone who suspects that a child is being abused or neglected can contact the Fairfax County Child Protective Services hotline at 703-324-7400. Callers may identify themselves or remain anonymous.