Five Days of Action
Keeping kids safe is everyone’s responsibility. Each April, we join Five Days of Action to raise awareness of child sexual abuse and empower adults with the tools to prevent it.
Digital Safety
The 2026 Five Days of Action campaign focuses on “Keeping Kids Safe in the Digital Space.” From social media to online gaming to texting, these spaces are quickly evolving. It’s important that both kids and their caregivers understand the risks and red flags of abuse in the digital space, and how to guard against it.
We pledge to protect the children in our care and hope you will too! Click the link to download a printable version of the 2026 Five Days of Action Pledge Card!
Recognizing Red Flags
Certain behaviors can signal risk for child sexual abuse and understanding them helps you act early to keep kids safe. This infographic shows what to watch for—whether the behavior may be low, moderate, or high risk—and these behaviors, or grooming, can show up both in person and in online situations. Visit nationalchildrensalliance.org for more information on red flag behaviors.
Staying on Top of Digital Trends
From apps to gaming, staying on top of digital trends can be overwhelming. NCMEC offers free resources to help trusted adults understand online risks—including sextortion and the growing use of generative AI—and talk with kids about staying safe. Explore NCMEC resources.
Monitoring Digital Use
Did you know 1 in 5 children who use a digital device will be sexually solicited online? Technology changes fast, and kids are targeted on the apps, games, and sites they love. Having a Cyber P.L.A.N., monitoring device use, and teaching online safety rules can help keep your child safe. Visit Lauren’s Kids for resources by age group to help you learn how to set boundaries, teach good cyber habits, and protect your family online.
Our Commitment
We partner with families, staff, and volunteers to ensure every child feels safe and supported. From training to policies, child protection is built into everything we do.
A Culture of Safety
Child safety starts with awareness, prevention, and accountability. Through clear policies and strong partnerships, we build a culture where every child is protected.
Safety at the Y
Youth in our programs participate in everything from child care and camps to aquatics, mentoring, and sports. Across the board, we follow the principles of youth development and prioritize safety by:
- Requiring detailed staff and volunteer applications
- Conducting interviews and reference checks
- Completing criminal background checks for all youth-facing roles
- Providing extensive child abuse prevention training
- Mandating staff and volunteers to report suspected abuse
- Offering an anonymous hotline to report policy concerns
Member Screening
To protect our community, all YMCA members are screened through a national sex offender registry upon joining and routinely thereafter. Any red flags are reviewed by trained staff, and appropriate action is taken if necessary.
Safe Policies and Boundaries
We design our programs and policies to limit one-on-one interactions between staff and youth unless they can be openly observed. Staff contact with children outside of YMCA programs is also limited to ensure transparency and accountability.
Reporting Child Abuse
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please don’t wait to act. Below are resources and hotline numbers available 24/7:
- Kentucky Child Abuse Hotline: 877-597-2331
- Indiana Child Abuse Hotline: 800-800-5556
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
Additional Resources
- Child Welfare Gateway
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children | 1-800-843-5678
- National Parent Helpline | 1-855-4AParent (427-2763)
Explore Related Pages
Youth Development
Helping kids and teens grow into confident, capable leaders through connection, care, and opportunity.
Who We Are
Strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.