Tipp students win in video competition
As we start a new year, the great AI debate rages on, with one key question on everyone’s lips: How can we utilise this incredibly advanced, continuously evolving technology as a help rather than a hindrance? Global cybersecurity leader, Trend Micro, consulted the next generation to find the answer, using their 2024 ‘What’s Your Story?’ video competition to inspire insightful ideas among their young entrants, as well as to gauge their opinions and concerns surrounding such a pressing topic.
The annual competition is a highlight of Trend Micro’s Internet Safety for Kids & Families (ISKF) programme; a global educational initiative that provides support to parents and teachers as they endeavour to keep children safe and savvy within the online space. Each year, ‘What’s Your Story?’ asks a thought-provoking question regarding technology and internet use, and invites children and teens from across the country to submit their response in the form of a two-minute video. This year’s topic was a timely one, asking: How might new technology (or AI) help you in the future?
Entrants to the competition were encouraged to be as imaginative and creative as they wished, and this year’s submissions did not disappoint! Despite many impressive entries, it was a group of Transition Year students from Cashel Community School who went on to nab the School Category 13+ winning prize fund of €500.
The difficult task of selecting the winners was left in the capable hands of the judging panel, which included representatives from Webwise, Science Foundation Ireland, Media Literacy Ireland, CyberSafeKids, Press Pass and Oide. Despite a plethora of talent and bright ideas on show, four winning entries were eventually chosen across four categories: Overall Winner, Critics’ Choice Award, Group Category 8-12 Years, and School Category 13+.
Avril Ronan, Trend Micro Global Programme Manager for Internet Safety for Kids & Families, said: “As usual, Trend Micro’s annual Irish youth video competition challenged the youth of the nation with an important question, and we were not disappointed! Young people were encouraged to research, chat with friends and family, to ask questions and to let their imagination run wild with their answers, and this is exactly what they did.
“We need look no further than online to acknowledge the risks and dangers posed by technologies such as AI, but it also has tremendous benefits for the world when used responsibly. Through their use of media and film, their voices were heard, and they provoked thought. Well done to all winners!”
Among these winners was a group of Transition Year multimedia students from Cashel Community School in Co Tipperary, who scooped the School Category 13+ accolade with their entry entitled A + I = ZZzzzz. The video, which was created under the guidance of teacher Joe Flynn, explored how technology can affect vital human functions, such as the ability to sleep well.
Commenting on their big win, Mr Flynn said: "We had so much fun as a group making this video, so to win in our category really is the icing on the cake. I think that the subject matter of the competition is highly relevant to the students involved in this project. It inspired them to investigate the opportunities new technology may present – whether positive or negative.
"The students are delighted to have a tangible achievement from their TY multimedia Production module. The Trendmicro resources were particularly helpful in this endeavour. Thanks to all who contributed to this great pool of knowledge."
With groundbreaking technological advancements being made every day, and the use of AI becoming more commonplace in both domestic and professional settings, it is Trend Micro’s ongoing mission to keep the virtual space a safe one for all ages.
To date, Trend Micro Internet Safety for Kids & Families’ volunteers and partners are active in more than 27 countries, and have hosted and supported over 26,500, events including more than 40,000 schools which have positively impacted almost 4.6 million children, parents, and teachers worldwide. Trend Micro webinars, which are available on demand, include topics such as Raising Gamers: Teaching Kids to Play it Safe, Social Media & Our Kids’ Lens of the World, Kids & Autism: Supporting Safe & Healthy Technology Use, and How to Handle Bullying When We’re Always Online. Additionally, their Cyber Academy for kids, which is a free online series, covers topics from Camera Safety to Misinformation and Healthy Habits.
FURTHER DETAILS
To watch the ‘What’s Your Story?’ 2024 winning videos, visit https://whatsyourstory.trendmicro.ie/. To register to attend an upcoming free parent talk visit https://www.trendmicro.com/internet-safety/eventsie and to access the kids’ Cyber Academy and much more, visit https://www.trendmicro.com/internet-safety . For more information and tips on who to stay safe online, follow the Trend Micro ISKF team online on Twitter @TrendISKF_IE or Facebook/TrendMicroEurope or Instagram @Trendmicroiskfeurope.