Our community's children are navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office is stepping up to help families stay safe online. A new educational brochure launched this week offers practical guidance for parents, students, and educators on protecting themselves across the internet's most popular platforms.
The internet safety awareness educational brochure was posted on the prosecutor's office's social media sites on Tuesday, May 20, and physical copies are now being distributed throughout Atlantic County. This Thursday, Pleasantville Middle School and Brigantine Community School will receive several hundred copies, according to Agent Fiorella Ronchi.
The comprehensive guide tackles the platforms where young people spend most of their time online, with dedicated sections addressing Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, Facebook, YouTube, Roblox, and X, formerly known as Twitter. Each section assesses specific risks associated with these platforms, helping families understand what to watch for.
Prosecutor William Reynolds emphasized that the brochure serves a broad audience. "It also highlights the importance of protecting one's digital footprint, recognizing and preventing cyberbullying, and maintaining privacy both online and in real life," the prosecutor's office announcement stated.
One of the guide's most critical messages addresses cyberbullying head-on. The brochure places special emphasis on cyberbullying awareness, reminding young people that harmful online behavior carries real-world consequences. Importantly, it clarifies that cyberbullying is a chargeable crime in the State of New Jersey—a fact that both students and parents need to understand.
The resource also encourages students to reach out to trusted adults if something seems wrong, whether it affects them personally or someone they know. The prosecutor's office maintains a system for receiving anonymous tips, ensuring that young people have a safe way to report concerns.
"Education and prevention are some of the strongest tools we have in protecting our children," Reynolds said. "In conjunction with our presentations, this brochure serves as a practical resource for families and schools to promote responsible digital behavior and create safer online environments for our youth."
The project represents a collaborative effort within the prosecutor's office. Reynolds credited Agent Morgan Woerner with developing the brochure, along with Ronchi and Richard Cornett, director of outreach, for their contributions to the initiative.
Beyond school distribution, physical copies of the brochure will be available at public events throughout the county, including National Night Out and community fairs. This multi-channel approach ensures that the safety information reaches families wherever they gather in our community.
For families, educators, or community organizations interested in obtaining copies of the brochure or learning more about internet safety presentations, requests can be made by contacting outreach@acpo.org. The prosecutor's office is committed to making these resources widely available as part of their ongoing effort to protect young people in the digital age.
