June 10, 2026 – Chicopee, Massachusetts – Students in grades 1-5 at Center School in Chicopee received a lesson in “NetSmartz” on Tuesday, June 2, consisting of internet and real-world safety concepts.

Staff from the Hampden District Attorney’s Community Safety & Outreach (CSO) Unit were joined by Youth Advisory Board (YAB) member Nava Berezin, a rising junior at Wilbraham & Monson Academy, to share the presentation and encourage students’ participation through helpful hints and discussion questions.

Berezin asked the students important questions, such as “should we be sharing private information online,” to which the student’s shouted, “no!”

She went on to ask for examples of private information. Some of the answers were your address, and school you attend – both of which should never be shared online with strangers. Berezin also emphasized the point of not meeting people from the internet face-to-face.

Following the presentation, Community Safety & Outreach Deputy Director Gina Anslemo explained that while it is good to make friends at school, it’s not good to make friends with people from the internet.  

Anselmo reiterated what it means to use good “netiquette,” which includes being nice online and using kind words. She added that this translates to out of school as well – harping on the point of always being kind to everyone.

“Online safety is just as important as safety in our communities,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “NetSmartz helps give students the knowledge and tools they need to make smart decisions and stay safe in today’s digital world.”

The NetSmartz presentation is one of many free programs the Hampden District Attorney’s Office offers to promote education, prevention, and youth empowerment across the county. The office regularly collaborates with schools and community partners to support the health and safety of young people.

For more information about the NetSmartz presentation, or to request a presentation at your school, contact Hampden District Attorney’s Office Deputy Director of Community Safety & Outreach Gina Anselmo at gina.anselmo@mass.gov.