March 6, 2026 – Chicopee, Massachusetts – Over 200 students at Fairview Elementary School received a lesson in online safety on Thursday, Feb. 5.

Staff from Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s Community Safety & Outreach (CSO) Unit and Youth Advisory Board (YAB) delivered two presentations – NetSmartz, for grades 1-3, and Social Media & Gaming Safety for grades 4 and 5.

The YAB is made up of high school students from across Hampden County dedicated to leadership and community engagement. For the office’s NetSmartz and Social Media & Gaming Safety presentations, YAB members take the lead – engaging and encouraging students to participate through helpful hints and discussion questions.

On Feb. 5, the YAB members included Kahleb Cruz, a junior at Springfield International Charter School; Nicholas Falvo, a senior at Pope Francis Preparatory School; Cadence Lukasik, a senior at Chicopee High School; Isabelle Ogutt, a junior at East Longmeadow High School; Bridget Kamau, a junior at Hampden Charter School of Science; and Branden Atimbo, a senior at Pope Francis Preparatory School.

While the two presentations have similarities, NetSmartz focuses on internet and real-world safety concepts, and Social Media & Gaming Safety highlights the important safety rules when connecting on social media and playing games online.

“Teaching online safety at an early age is critical. Through programs like NetSmartz and our Social Media & Gaming Safety presentations, we’re helping students understand how to protect their personal information, recognize potential risks, and make responsible choices online,” said District Attorney Gulluni.

At the end of the presentations, the YAB members took time to offer advice to the students.

Cruz emphasized the importance of being surrounded by good people, and to always be kind and make good decisions.

Atimbo shared, “It’s important to maintain the relationships you guys have because they’re important down the road.”

Lukasik noted that students should be putting academics first before being involved in any extracurriculars, including online games. And last, but certainly not least, she said to spread kindness and be inclusive of everyone.

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. In 2025, the CSO Unit’s internet safety presentations alone reached 4,182 elementary students.

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.