In today’s world, staying connected online is part of everyday life, from schoolwork and games to social media and communication. While technology creates opportunities, it also comes with risks that families need to be aware of.

As part of Five Days of Action® (April 13-17), Old Colony YMCA is focusing on one key area: helping families better understand digital safety and how to protect young people online.

Through partnerships with organizations like Praesidium, National Center for Exploited and Missing Children (NCMEC), Lauren’s Kids, and National Children’s Alliance, a range of tools and resources are available to support parents and caregivers in navigating today’s digital landscape.

Below are some key topics and resources to help you get started:

Recognizing Red Flags

Certain behaviors can signal risk for child sexual abuse and understanding them helps you act early to keep kids safe. This infographic¹ shows what to watch for, whether the behavior may be low, moderate, or high risk. These behaviors , often referred to as grooming, can show up both in person and online. 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 how to 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.

• Generative AI Tip Sheet (English)
• Sextortion Tip Sheet (English)
• Sextortion Tip Sheet (Spanish)

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.

• Kindergarten – Grade 2
• Grade 3 – Grade 5
• Middle School
• High School
• Spanish-language Cyber P.L.A.N. Resources for Families

Other Resources

Together, we can help prevent child sexual abuse. Explore these helpful resources from organizations that share the Y’s commitment to safety:

Educational Videos and Information for Parents & Caregivers by Praesidium 

• Abuse Prevention Introduction
• Recognize Abuse and Its Warning Signs
• How to Talk to Youth About Abuse
• How to Respond to Child Abuse
• 6 Key Questions a Parent Should Ask of a Camp
• Report Suspected Child Abuse
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cyber Tipline
• U.S. Center for SafeSport, Parents Page

Keeping kids safe, both online and in everyday life, takes all of us. By staying informed and having open conversations, we can help create safer environments where young people can grow and thrive.

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¹Elizabeth L. Jeglic, Georgia M. Winters, Benjamin N. Johnson, Identification of red flag child sexual grooming behaviors, Child Abuse & Neglect, Volume 136, 2023, 105998, ISSN 0145-2134, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105998.