Kids' Place talks new child abuse education resource

PITTSFIELD, M.A. (NEWS10) -Decades before Timothy Shugrue became a district attorney, he co-founded the Berkshire County Kids’ Place and Violence Prevention Center. “Growing up, we heard about the mysterious white van that was said to be lurking in our neighborhoods, ready to kidnap children. Well today, that white van exists in the online world.”

The Berkshire County DA’s Office partnered with the FBI to talk with kids about heavy topics like sextortion and human trafficking in summer camps back in 2023. Since then, it’s expanded into schools and has newly partnered with Shugrue’s center on another resource to aid children.

“We take what’s called the NetSmartz program, designed to talk about internet safety with middle school students,” said Brian Berkel, CSEC Coordinator.

NetSmartz is also available online for kids and adults to view together, featuring age-appropriate videos and activities. Another serious topic that’s discussed is sexting. Childs’ Place stated 20% of teens have participated in sexting.

Officials said its best to have conversations about this with younger kids. “The presentation we just did, there were some 8th graders. We overheard them afterwards in the hallway saying something to the effect of, ‘Where were they when I was in 5th grade?’” recalled Berkel.

Child abuse can happen to anyone. Shugrue values this new resource as a way to counter the reach predators can have via the internet. “We throw the net out there, you probably have five people by the end of the week. That’s how many people that are using the internet to try to get children.”

Experts recommend parents and guardians stay calm when kids come to them with a sexual abuse problem. Any groups interested in learning more about sexual abuse and safety can reach out to the District Attorney’s Office or the Childs’ Place for a free presentation.