In a resounding display of creativity and talent, Sir Donald Bailey Academy in Newark-on-Trent has emerged as the Primary winner of the 15th annual Childnet Film Competition. The school’s outstanding achievement showcases their students’ remarkable filmmaking skills and dedication to promoting online safety among young individuals.
Following the success of this year’s Safer Internet Day on February 13th, leading online safety charity Childnet asked young people to create a short film exploring the theme of “How would you make the internet a better place?”
The Childnet Film Competition, is a unique event, showcasing the power of youth voice in online safety education, alongside the creativity of young people and attracts participants from across the United Kingdom.
This year, Sir Donald Bailey Academy excelled in the competition, impressing the esteemed panel of judges, including industry leaders from organisations such BAFTA, BBC, British Board of Film Classification, Disney, the Motion Picture Association, as well as a young person from the Childnet Digital Leaders Programme.
Sir Donald Bailey Academy’s entry ‘Change your attitude, change the internet’ captivated the judges with its originality, thought-provoking content, and exceptional execution. Their film not only showcased their creative prowess but also effectively conveyed a crucial online safety message to young people nationwide.
Will Gardner, CEO of Childnet and a Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, says:
“A huge congratulations to all winners, finalists and entrants of this year’s competition. Their films will undoubtedly inspire and encourage other schools and young filmmakers to show off their talents and help keep their peers safe with these important online safety messages.”
Jim Filippatos, Vice President of Global Public Policy at Disney and Film Competition Judge, said:
“The Childnet Film Competition shows how powerful young voices can be and reminds us that storytelling can help us all see the world in new ways. At Disney, we’re dedicated to online safety, and these winners did a great job showing how to make the internet a better place.”
The films are available to watch at childnet.com/film/winners and are a unique and engaging way of learning about online safety from a young person’s perspective.
All of the films are available for teachers to use as a resource in the classroom, but are also suitable for young people to view themselves on Childnet’s website at Childnet.com.
Please contact Becca Cawthorne, Childnet Communications and Marketing Manager, by emailing any questions or requests to [email protected]
About the Childnet Film Competition
For the past 15 years, the Childnet Film Competition has challenged young filmmakers to create a short film or storyboard in response to a given theme. All entries must contain a positive message and be able to educate other young people. Winning and shortlisted films can be viewed at childnet.com/film/winners
About Childnet
Childnet is a UK-based charity who empower children, young people, and those who support them in their online lives, and its mission is to work with others to make the internet a great and safe place for all children and young people.
Launched in 1995, just two years after the public launch of the open web, Childnet has delivered a positive impact with its empowering, youth led, evidence based and collaborative approach to online safety, and has given children and young people the skills they need to navigate the internet safely and in a positive way.
As one of three charities in the UK Safer Internet Centre, Childnet coordinates Safer Internet Day in the UK, which reaches millions of UK children every year with online safety information about key issues.