YMCA Parent & Guardian Guide: Protecting Children from Abuse 2025

At the YMCA, your child’s safety is our top priority. We believe that parents and guardians
are our partners in keeping kids safe. This guide gives you helpful information about how to
protect your child, how to spot warning signs, and what to do if you’re concerned.

✅ How to Help Protect Your Child
• Teach your child about safe boundaries (for example, saying “no” to unwanted touch).
• Know who your child spends time with and where they are.
• Talk regularly with your child about their day, friends, and feelings.
• Encourage open communication—let them know they can always come to you or a trusted adult.

🚨 Warning Signs of Abuse
Abuse can be physical, emotional, or sexual, and may also include neglect. Some warning signs include:
• Unexplained injuries, frequent “accidents,” or sudden fear of certain places/people.
• Major changes in behavior (withdrawal, anger, anxiety, or sudden mood swings).
• Regression to younger behaviors (bedwetting, thumb-sucking, etc.).
• Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or sudden school problems.
• Advanced or unusual knowledge of sexual behaviors for their age.
*One sign alone does not always mean abuse—but several together, or anything that feels “off,” is worth taking seriously.*

🚨 How to Recognize Boundary Violations:

Physical Boundary Violations
• Tickling
• Horseplay
• Hugging
• Massaging
• Wrestling
• Going overboard with affection.

Emotional Boundary Violations
• Making them feel overly important, cared about, understood,
• Spending too much time with them,
YMCA Parent & Guardian Guide: Protecting Children from Abuse
2025
• Choosing favorites,
• Giving gifts, and
• Acting possessive.
• Sending excessive or inappropriate text messages,
• Pretending to be the consumer’s friend on social networking sites like Facebook,
• Sharing personal information to make the consumer feel like they have a special
relationship
• Promising extra coaching time, a college scholarship, a place on a national team, or even
a spot on the Olympic Team!

Behavioral Boundary Violations
Offenders manipulate kids into doing things they would not otherwise do, such as:
• Sneaking around by saying they will be in one place when they are in another,
• Keeping secrets with the offender,
• Looking at pornography, and
• Using drugs or alcohol.

💬 What to Do if You’re Concerned
• If you suspect abuse: Report it immediately to YMCA leadership and/or Child Protective Services.
• If your child tells you about abuse:
- Stay calm—your child needs to feel safe.
- Listen carefully and believe them.
- Thank them for telling you—it’s very brave.
- Report it right away to the proper authorities.

📞 Important Hotlines
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Hotline (ChildLine): 1-800-932-0313
• Praesidium Helpline: 1-800-743-6354

🏡 Our Commitment
The YMCA is here to support you. Together, we can create a safe and positive environment
for every child.

​If you have questions or concerns, please contact:
📞 Mike Marinchak CEO 724-238-7580 EXT 10

YMCA Youth Safety & Boundaries

Ages 5–7 (Younger Children)
🧒 Your Right to Be Safe
At the YMCA, you should always feel safe and happy. No one should ever hurt you, scare
you, or make you keep a secret that feels bad.

✅ Safe Boundaries
• Friends use kind hands and kind words
• Adults keep you safe and respect your space
• You can say 'No' if something makes you feel uncomfortable

⚠ Unsafe Boundaries
• Someone touches you in a way you don’t like
• Someone asks you to keep a secret that feels yucky
• Someone makes you feel scared, sad, or confused

👉 What You Can Do
1. Say 'No!' in a big, strong voice
2. Walk away if you can
3. Tell a safe grown-up right away

Safe Grown-Ups You Can Tell:
- Mom, Dad, or family
- YMCA teachers and helpers
- A teacher at school

💡 Remember: If something bad happens, it’s not your fault.

Ages 8–12 (Elementary & Pre-Teens)
👧 Your Right to Be Safe
You deserve to feel safe, respected, and cared for at all times. No one should touch you, talk
to you, or treat you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

✅ Safe Boundaries
• People respect your personal space and listen when you say 'No.'
• Games and play are fair and fun
• Adults and kids speak kindly and use respectful words
YMCA Youth Safety & Boundaries Handouts

⚠ Unsafe Boundaries
• Someone touches you in a way that feels wrong or confusing
• Someone tries to bully, trick, or scare you
• Someone asks you to keep secrets that don’t feel safe

​👉 What You Can Do
1. Say 'No' clearly and firmly
2. Leave the situation if possible
3. Tell a trusted adult right away

Trusted Adults You Can Tell:
- Parents or guardians
- YMCA staff or volunteers
- A teacher, counselor, or coach
- Another adult you know cares about your safety

💡 Remember: If someone crosses your boundaries, it’s not your fault. Speaking up is being
strong and brave.
Ages 13–17 (Teens)

🧑 Your Right to Be Safe
At the YMCA and everywhere you go, you have the right to be safe and respected. No one
has the right to pressure you, hurt you, or cross your boundaries.

✅ Safe Boundaries
• Friends respect your personal space, your choices, and your feelings
• Adults act responsibly and protect your safety
• Healthy relationships are built on respect and trust

⚠ Unsafe Boundaries
• Someone pressures you into doing something you don’t want to do
• Someone touches you sexually or in any way that makes you uncomfortable
• Someone asks you to hide, lie, or keep secrets about unsafe behavior
• Someone bullies, threatens, or harasses you online or in person

👉 What You Can Do
1. Say 'No' firmly. You never have to agree to anything that feels wrong
2. Remove yourself from the situation if you can
3. Report it to a trusted adult immediately
YMCA Youth Safety & Boundaries Handouts

Trusted Adults You Can Go To:
- A parent or guardian
- YMCA staff or leadership
- A teacher, counselor, or coach
- Another adult you trust

​💡 Remember: Abuse and unsafe behavior are never your fault. Speaking up is the first step
to getting help and staying safe.