National campaign kicks off Five Days of Action with focus on children's digital safety

A national campaign aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse launched Monday, April 13, with a renewed focus on the dangers kids face online.

Five Days of Action, an annual initiative running April 13-17 through the YMCA Champions for Child Protection, brings together youth-serving organizations, families and communities each year during Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year's theme, "Keeping Kids Safe in the Digital Space," centers on helping children navigate social media, online gaming and other digital environments safely.

One in five children who use a digital device will be inappropriately approached online, according to campaign organizers. As technology evolves rapidly, children are increasingly targeted through the apps, games and websites they use daily.

Organizers are encouraging parents and caregivers to develop a Cyber P.L.A.N. — a framework for monitoring device use and teaching children online safety rules. Experts say establishing clear boundaries early and maintaining open conversations about digital risks are among the most effective tools available to families.

"Technology changes fast, and kids are targeted on the apps, games and sites they love," organizers noted in campaign materials.

Resources for families, educators and youth-serving organizations are available at fivedaysofaction.org, including age-specific guides, tip sheets on emerging threats such as sextortion and generative AI misuse, and tools for recognizing warning signs of grooming both online and in person.

All youth-serving organizations are invited to participate in the campaign through its final day Thursday, April 17.