Sydney, 13 October 2015 - Trend Micro, a global leader in security software has announced the winners of its 2015 “What’s Your Story?" poster competition at the Australian Parliament House, Canberra. Now in its second year, the competition was open to children aged 5 to 12 years across Australia and celebrates the savviness and creativity of the digital generation and encourages them to start and sustain a positive, online dialogue with their peers and with the world.

Overall winner Ruby-Jane Roberts was awarded a cheque for $3,000 for her entry ‘Who are you really talking to?’ and two runners up both received a cheque for $1,500 each, Dana Bonleon for her entry ‘Do you really know who you are posting it to’ and Alexander Bogeff for his entry ‘Beware of what you share, and click with care’

In partnership with Stay Smart Online Week, the competition encouraged kids to share their personal experiences online addressing the theme “Your business is your business".

“Trend Micro would like to recognise the passionate teachers and parents around the country that engaged and encouraged their kids to get involved in the 2015 competition. The most popular messages conveyed in the entries this year included online stranger danger, thinking twice before you post online and the risks of social media," said Tim Falinski, director, consumer Trend Micro Australia

“We had a record number of entries and it was great to see the enthusiasm and creativity that went into each one. Every entrant should be very proud of their contribution to the overall “What’s Your Story?" competition," added Falinski.

All poster submissions were judged on their ability to inspire as well as how effectively entrants have promoted their entries via word of mouth. Judges included representatives from Twitter, Stay Smart Online, Office of the Children’s e-Safety Commissioner and Cybershack TV.

"Sharing on social media has become one of the most common ways people interact with each other. We loved the way that Trend Micro's “What's Your Story?" competition used this now everyday activity to gives kids an inventive and entertaining way to share positivity, as well as educating them on effective ways to stay safe online" said Kara Hinesley, Public Policy Fellow, Australia, NZ & SE Asia, Twitter Inc.

“All of the entries were so creative. It was inspiring to see how talented, engaged and educated the participants were in online safety. It was a very difficult task judging the competition to narrow it down to three prize winners" said Lynne Goodyer, Senior Digital Engagement Designer, Department of Communications and the Arts.

“It’s great to see kids engaging with a competition that helps them reflect on how to stay safe online in an enjoyable way—there was a lot of talent to choose from!" said Alastair MacGibbon, Children’s eSafety Commissioner

“It was great being part of a cyber safety project that follows a creative path with a positive outcome. With some many fantastic entries, it was hard for me to pick a favourite!," said Charlie Brown, technology expert on Cybershack TV.

To learn more about the competition and to check out the winning entries visit here.

To support its vision of making the world safe for exchanging digital information, Trend Micro aspires to make a difference by using its expertise to make the world at large a better place. Trend Micro has made a commitment to make the Internet a great place for young people around the world through its world-wide employee volunteer program, grants and donations to eligible organisations, and partnerships with those who share its vision and mission.