Internet Predators Target Northampton Youth

Crime in Northampton, MA: Internet predators are lurking in the shadows, preying on vulnerable youth. But the U.S. Attorney’s Office is fighting back with education and awareness. On Thursday, January 21, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will host a presentation on Internet safety for students, parents, and members of surrounding communities at Smith Vocational Agricultural High School.

The presentation, entitled “Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents,” will include a variety of Internet safety topics including: Social Media 101; digital footprint; gaming; cyberbullying; sexting; sextortion; Internet predators; and being safe and secure online. Presenters include members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as an agent from the Department of Homeland Security.

The event will be held in the Smith Vocational cafeteria located at 80 Locust Street in Northampton at 6:30 p.m. Parents and students from Northampton and surrounding communities are welcome to attend.

Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative created in 2006, is designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is urging parents and students to be aware of the dangers of the internet and to take steps to protect themselves. “The internet can be a wonderful tool for education and communication, but it can also be a breeding ground for predators and cyberbullies,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “We want to educate parents and students about the risks and how to stay safe online.”

The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

As the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to fight against internet predators, it’s clear that education and awareness are key. By working together, we can keep our children safe and secure online.

The presentation is a great opportunity for parents and students to learn about the dangers of the internet and how to protect themselves. Don’t miss out on this important event!

Related Federal Cases