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Internet Safety

STOP BLOCK and TALK: Internet Safety Training for Students, Caregivers and Professionals

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is a leader in providing in-person internet safety programming for youth, caregivers, and professionals. We aim to empower people of all ages to stay safe while using technology. By helping youth understand the risks that go along with social media, gaming, and just being online, we hope to reduce harm and prevent exploitation, cyberbullying, and more. The education program STOP BLOCK and TALK uses a simple message that we encourage everyone to remember and teach to others:

  • STOP the communication if someone is rude or asks for personal information or images,

  • BLOCK that person without feeling bad or guilty, and

  • TALK to a caregiver or trusted adult when you need help or feel uncomfortable.

While parents and guardians can’t always prevent their children from having upsetting and even risky online encounters, they can always make sure that young people know they can talk to adults about things that make them feel uncomfortable and teach them how to respond when such an incident occurs.

Tell your kids that they can come to you without facing blame or judgment, and without feeling ashamed or embarrassed, when something makes them feel uncomfortable online. Teach them that they can talk to you anytime and you will help and support them.

If you run a school or youth program in Suffolk County and would like to bring STOP BLOCK and TALK to your students or staff, email us at StopBlockTalk@mass.gov

Check out the STOP BLOCK TALK song and you won’t forget this important approach: Stop Block Talk Video, Stop Block Talk Lyrics

For more online safety tips and information on popular apps, online games, and technology, check out these resources:

Stop Block Talk (SBT)