March 23, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Staff from Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s Community Safety & Outreach (CSO) Unit visited Springfield’s Washington Elementary School on Friday, March 6, to deliver the office’s NetSmartz and Social Media & Gaming Safety presentations to approximately 100 students, emphasizing the importance of safe online use.

CSO was joined by Hampden District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members Devin Soucy, a junior at Agawam High School, and Nayeli Made, a junior at Springfield Central High School, to lead the presentations, while engaging and encouraging students to participate through helpful hints and discussion questions. YAB consists of high school students from across Hampden County dedicated to leadership and community engagement.

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

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

“Programs like NetSmartz and Social Media & Gaming Safety presentations are critical to helping young people navigate an increasingly complex digital world,” said District Attorney Gulluni. “What makes these efforts especially impactful is that they are led alongside members of our Youth Advisory Board – students who understand firsthand the challenges their peers face.”

He continued, “When young people hear these messages from other young leaders, it resonates in a powerful and meaningful way. This is prevention at its best – education, connection, and empowerment working together to keep our kids safe both online and in the real world.”

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.

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.