Helping Kids Stay Safe in the Digital Space

Gaston County Family YMCA Leads Five Days of Action®

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 the Gaston County Family YMCA is taking part in the Five Days of Action®, a national movement 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.

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. You’ll find all the partner resources below. To join the movement or sign the pledge, visit fivedaysofaction.org.

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 that 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.

Our Commitment to Child Protection

The Gaston County Family YMCA is proud to share that we are only the second YMCA in North Carolina to be Praesidium Accredited, reflecting our ongoing commitment to the highest standards of safety and abuse prevention.

As a youth-serving organization that reaches thousands of children and teens each year, creating safe, supportive environments is foundational to everything we do. Any child or teen experiencing harm in our care is unacceptable. Praesidium Accreditation affirms that the systems, training, and practices we have in place are designed to protect young people and ensure they can learn, grow, and thrive safely at the YMCA.

Want to learn more about our commitment to child safety? Click here.