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 drama students from Cork who went on to be named as reigning champions within the Group Category 8-12 Years.
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+.
Commenting on this year’s winners, 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.”
She added: “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 young students from Dramarama Cork, who scooped the €500 prize fund for the Group Category 8-12 Years’ for their entry entitled The Techogram 2000. The submission caught the judges’ attention thanks to its commentary on how technology will continue to impact on human interaction and daily activities well into the future.
Commenting on their big win, Annmarie Lewis from Dramarama said: “We’re just thrilled! We had great fun making the video and as a drama group, our students always love a chance to practice their skills in front of the camera. Now they can say they’re award-winners in the business!”
Annmarie added: “At Dramarama Cork we pride ourselves on creating a safe space for expression, so I think the competition topic fed into this, as it encouraged our students to think about how that safe space can also be achieved within the online world. We’re delighted that our efforts were recognised and I have a feeling our group will be celebrating for some time to come!”
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.
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.
