On January 12, staff from Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s Community Safety & Outreach (CSO) Unit visited Chicopee’s Litwin Elementary School to deliver two important presentations: NetSmartz and Social Media & Gaming Safety. The programs focused on helping students navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

 

The DA’s office was joined by four impressive members of the Hampden District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB)—high school students from across the county who volunteer their time to lead peer-to-peer education:

 

• Cadence Lukasik, Chicopee High School senior and Litwin Elementary alum
• Cecilia Torres, Chicopee High School senior
• Maliha Awan, East Longmeadow High School senior
• Samia Awan, East Longmeadow High School senior
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The younger students (grades 2–3) participated in the interactive NetSmartz program, which covers both internet and real-world safety basics. Older students (grades 4–5) attended the Social Media & Gaming Safety presentation, where YAB members shared practical tips on topics like strong passwords, recognizing cyberbullying, and protecting personal information.

 

Through real-life scenarios—such as what to do if someone in an online game like Fortnite asks for your school or grade—the students learned a clear, repeated message: never share personal information online and always tell a trusted adult.

 

The YAB members wrapped up by offering encouragement for the future: advice on trying sports in middle and high school, making new friends, and leading with kindness. “Be kind to everyone,” Cadence Lukasik told the students.

 

Deputy Director of Community Safety & Outreach Gina Anselmo reinforced the point, calling kindness one of the most important rules—for both online and offline interactions.

 

These free presentations are part of the many educational programs the Hampden District Attorney’s Office provides to schools and community partners throughout the county to promote prevention, safety, and youth empowerment.

 

Schools or organizations interested in scheduling a NetSmartz or Social Media & Gaming Safety presentation can contact Deputy Director Gina Anselmo at gina.anselmo@mass.gov.

 

Keeping our kids safe online—one conversation at a time.

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