December 2, 2025 – Westfield, Massachusetts – Students at Westfield’s White Oak School recently got an important lesson in digital safety, as Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s Community Safety & Outreach (CSO) Unit delivered its signature internet safety presentation — highlighting the permanence of online activity and practical ways to stay safe.

The CSO led engaging, age-appropriate discussions with students, focusing on cyberbullying, social media use, online predators, digital privacy, and the lasting impact of online behavior. A core message was what we do on our phones is permanent. Once a photo is sent, it is no longer in your control on who can see or receive it, and truly, there is no way to get it back or prevent it from spreading further.

Presenters, Director of Community Safety & Outreach Tony Simmons and Deputy Director Gina Anselmo, shared tips on app usage, along with cautioning that popular online games, including Roblox and Fortnite, are frequently used by strangers to initiate contact with young people and reminded students never to respond to messages from unknown users.

Anselmo explained that it can start with something simple like, “I go to Forest Park School, where do you go?” If a student were to say, “I go to White Oak School and I play baseball,” Anselmo said that person could then find out when baseball practice is and show up.

Ainsley Petell, a senior at White Oak School and member of the Hampden District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board, joined the CSO unit for the second internet safety presentation for grades 4-7. As Petell delivered her presentation, she stood before a newly installed television purchased with funds she earned for the school through the DA’s Office’s annual Stop the Swerve program. Her winning poster secured the top prize in last winter’s competition, with the award money directed back to White Oak School to support the purchase of equipment that enhances student learning.

Petell engaged the group of nearly 20 students by asking them questions as simple as who has a phone, to what they like to do online.

As hands went up indicating phone use and frequent internet activity, the takeaway became evident: young people need candid, proactive guidance on staying safe online.

The internet safety 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 internet safety 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.