In today’s connected world, kids are spending more time in the digital space than ever, learning, playing, and communicating. With that comes the need for vigilance and awareness.
That’s why Summit Area YMCA is joining Ys across the country to take part in the Five Days of Action®, a weeklong campaign running April 13-17, 2026, designed to raise awareness, inspire action to protect children from abuse, and promote safety in all spaces where kids live, learn, and play. This year’s theme focuses on digital safety, empowering families with tools to help children navigate technology responsibly and safely.
Throughout the week, the Summit Area YMCA will share resources and provide education to help parents and caregivers navigate the ever-changing digital world like recognizing red flags, and starting open conversations with children about digital safety. The YMCA believes that every adult has a role to play in protecting children, online and off.
“Technology is an amazing tool for learning and connection, but it also presents new risks,” said Jennifer Andrade, VP of Childcare at the Summit Area YMCA. “By working together and staying informed, we can create safer digital spaces for all children.”
In addition to earning Praesidium Accreditation® in 2025, a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates an organization has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention, the Summit Area YMCA’s competitive swim team was also officially recognized as a USA Swimming SafeSport Recognized Program earlier this year. And in 2026, the Y has partnered with Praesidium, National Center for Exploited and Missing Children (NCMEC), Lauren’s Kids, and National Children’s Alliance to offer additional resources for parents and caregivers, some of which can be found below.
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 online situations. Visit nationalchildrensalliance.org/the-real-red-flags-of-grooming for more information on red flag behaviors from National Children’s Alliance.
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. Check out the tip sheets below and be sure to explore the other NCMEC resources at ncmec.org/netsmartz/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. Lauren’s Kids has provided the following resources by age group to help you learn how to set boundaries, teach good cyber habits, and protect your family online.
To explore additional child abuse prevention resources and learn more about how the Summit Area YMCA keeps our children safeguarded against abuse through staff training, policies, protocols, and ongoing knowledge of awareness and prevention visit thesay.org/child-safety.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT AREA YMCA
The Summit Area YMCA has been serving our community since 1886, working alongside our neighbors to ensure everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. We stand for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and through the generosity of our members and partners, we provide financial assistance to support access and opportunities for all.
