As part of the YMCA’s Five Days of Action, we join YMCAs across the country in raising awareness and empowering our community to help prevent child sexual abuse. This national campaign is built on three simple, powerful habits: Know. See. Respond.
When practiced together, these habits help create safer environments for children—at the Y, at home, and online.
APRIL 13-17, 2026
Know
Learn how abuse happens and what prevention looks like. Understand the behaviors of those who may seek to harm children and how to recognize unsafe situations.
Ask questions about safety policies wherever your child spends time—at camps, programs, and even in digital spaces. When adults stay informed and engaged, we’re better equipped to protect children before harm occurs.
See
Recognize the warning signs and boundary violations that may indicate a child is at risk. This can include sudden changes in behavior, inappropriate interactions, or situations that don’t feel right.
Pay attention to how adults and youth interact—both in person and online. When we stay aware and observant, we can identify concerns early and take steps to protect children.
Respond
Take action when something seems wrong. You don’t need proof—reasonable suspicion is enough to act.
Trust your instincts and report concerns to the appropriate authorities or organization leaders. Speaking up can feel difficult, but it may be the step that protects a child from harm.
Keeping Kids Safe Online
Today’s risks extend beyond physical spaces. Children are increasingly active in digital environments where risks like inappropriate contact, exploitation, and cyberbullying can occur.
Talk with your children about their online experiences, set clear boundaries, and stay engaged with how they interact on apps, games, and social platforms. Creating open communication helps children feel safe coming to you when something doesn’t feel right.
Take Action to Protect Children
We all have a role to play in keeping children safe. You can make a difference by taking simple, proactive steps:
- Talk regularly with your children about their experiences
- Ask your Y and other organizations about their child protection policies
- Learn the warning signs of abuse
- Speak up if something doesn’t feel right
Together, we can create a culture where every child is safe, supported, and protected.
Additional Resources:
Learn more through resources and tips from partner organizations that are experts in the field of abuse prevention, including Praesidium, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Lauren’s Kids, and the National Children’s Alliance.
We pledge to protect the children in our care and hope you will too! Click the button below to download a printable version of the 2026 Five Days of Action Pledge Card!
