Final Week to Submit Entries for Trend Micro and International Internet Safety Coalition's 2nd Annual "What's Your Story?" Video Contest

WHAT:  

Trend Micro's 2nd annual "What's Your Story?" video contest, an international user-generated video contest that empowers youth to be leaders in educating others about being safe online, has an April 5 deadline for video submissions. Sponsored and supported by the Trend Micro Internet Safety for Kids & Families program and a number of participating organizations, the goal of the contest is to help parents, teachers and youth become more aware of Internet safety issues so young people can be safe and responsible online.

The contest asks anyone 13 and older, including teachers with their classrooms in the U.S., U.K., and Canada to create and submit a video educating their peers about the safe and responsible use of the Internet and how best to stay safe when engaging in online activities such as texting, instant messaging, or using social networking sites. The three contest categories include:

1. Being a Good Online Citizen
2. Using a Cell Phone Wisely
3. Maintaining Your Online Privacy

YOU BE THE JUDGE:

People can still participate in the contest without submitting a video by viewing and voting on their favorite videos. Visit the video gallery at http://whatsyourstory.trendmicro.com/internet-safety/Gallery.do

PRIZES:

"What's Your Story?" will award a grand prize of $10,000 to the winning entry, and 6 runner-up prizes for the best 3 schools and best 3 individual entries in each contest category.

HOW:

To learn more about the contest and to submit a video, visit http://whatsyourstory.trendmicro.com or follow us on Twitter @WYS2011.

WHY:

According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 93 percent of U.S. teens go online, and while much of the time they connect from home (89 percent), they are also connecting in other places such as school (77 percent), someone else's house (71 percent), and the library (60 percent). Mobile safety is another growing issue with 75 percent of 12- to 17- year olds in the U.S. owning cell phones. With this increasing use by youth online in places other than home, more effective solutions to educate kids are needed so they can be smarter along the way. "What's Your Story?" allows parents and schools to have an effective way to create positive dialogue with kids and offer an interactive learning tool, in the classroom, around the kitchen table, and to be part of the solution.

WHO:

Trend Micro Internet Safety for Kids & Families has teamed with some of the world's leading organizations that either provide access to kids online or advocate for their safety. All of them share Trend Micro's vision and commitment toward Internet safety. The judging panel for 2011 includes:

• Childnet International

• Identity Theft Resource Center

• Common Sense Media

• myYearbook

• ConnectSafely

• Net Family News

• Facebook

• Trend Micro

• The Jennifer Smart Foundation

• Web Wise Kids

DEADLINE:

April 5, 2011 – Winners will be announced in late April