February 27, 2026 – Agawam, Massachusetts – Staff from Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s Community Safety & Outreach (CSO) Unit visited Agawam’s Benjamin Phelps Elementary School on Wednesday, Feb. 4, to deliver the office’s NetSmartz and Social Media & Gaming Safety presentations, emphasizing the importance of safe online use.

CSO was joined by five members of the Hampden District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) – high school students from across Hampden County dedicated to leadership and community engagement – to lead the presentations, while engaging and encouraging students to participate through helpful hints and discussion questions.

The YAB members included Nayeli Made, a junior at Springfield Central High School; Gabrielle Gebo, a senior at Agawam High School; Branden Atimbo, a senior at Pope Francis Preparatory School; Yanira Rodriguez, a sophomore at Springfield Honors Academy; and Demetrius Holmes, a sophomore at Minnechaug Regional High School.

The first presentation of the day, NetSmartz, was as an interactive presentation for grades 1-3, consisting of internet and real-world safety concepts.

During the presentation, the YAB members took turns sharing information and entertaining videos to the group of more than 200 students, ranging from password safety to the importance of telling a trusted adult when feeling sad, scared, or confused. 

The second presentation, Social Media & Gaming Safety, was for fourth graders, and highlighted the important safety rules when connecting on social media and playing games online.

“Internet safety isn’t optional for young people today – it’s essential,” said District Attorney Gulluni. “Our NetSmartz and Social Media & Gaming Safety presentations work hand in hand to give young people the knowledge they need to navigate today’s digital world safely. The goal isn’t to scare the students, but to empower them with the tools and awareness to protect their safety, their reputation, and their future.”

The NetSmartz and Social Media & Gaming Safety presentations are two 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. The office’s internet safety presentations reached 4,182 elementary students in Hampden County in 2025.

For more information about NetSmartz or the Social Media & Gaming Safety presentations, 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.