April 2, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – The Hampden District Attorney’s Office is continuing its commitment to youth safety and education with an interactive presentation on social media and gaming safety at Kensington International Charter School and Mary Walsh Elementary School.  Led by the office’s Community Safety and Outreach Unit (CSO) the program provides students with essential tools to navigate online spaces responsibly.

In a unique peer-to-peer approach, members of the District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board – high school students from across Hampden County dedicated to leadership and community engagement – delivered key portions of the presentation to younger students. Their insights, drawn from real-world experiences, helped reinforce important lessons about online privacy, cyberbullying, and the risks associated with social media and gaming platforms.

“Our goal is to empower students with the knowledge they need to stay safe online,” said District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “By having older students lead discussions, we create a relatable and impactful learning experience that resonates with younger audiences.”

The presentations covered critical topics such as understanding digital footprints and making responsible choices in virtual interactions. The Kensington fifth graders and Mary Walsh fourth graders were encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions about their own experiences with social media and gaming.

The District Attorney’s Office remains committed to fostering digital responsibility and online safety education throughout Hampden County. Schools interested in hosting similar presentations can contact the CSO Unit at gina.anselmo@mass.gov.