{"id":498,"date":"2012-02-10T07:50:34","date_gmt":"2012-02-10T15:50:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/internetsafety.trendmicro.com\/?p=498"},"modified":"2012-03-13T14:22:43","modified_gmt":"2012-03-13T22:22:43","slug":"from-cyberbullying-to-online-reputations-to-cell-phones-whats-your-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trendmicro.com\/internet-safety\/blog\/from-cyberbullying-to-online-reputations-to-cell-phones-whats-your-story\/","title":{"rendered":"From cyberbullying to online reputations to cell phones, \u2018What\u2019s Your Story?\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>By Lynette Owens<\/p>\n

The world\u2019s current obsession with kids and technology is understandably rooted in the fear of the unknown and is further fueled by the media\u2019s sensationalization of \u201ckids gone wild\u201d stories that are true but rarely happen.<\/p>\n

Additionally, with everything from new technology to rising celebrities to breaking news constantly trying to command at least 30 seconds of our attention, it is very hard to see some of the great things kids may be doing to make their online world a better one.<\/p>\n

The only thing we hear is: the Internet is scary and kids shouldn\u2019t be there.<\/p>\n

Yes, bad things do happen online, I am not trivializing this fact by any stretch.\u00a0 But sometimes, most of the time, good stuff happens, too.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why we are happy to announce that our 3rd<\/sup> annual \u2018What\u2019s Your Story?\u2019 video contest is now open for entries.\u00a0 For a third time, we want to hear what young people have to say about issues related to their safety and responsibility online.\u00a0 For another year, we will award the best entry with $10,000 and runner-up prizes to the best individual and school entries. \u00a0We hope to again see some powerful, creative work that can bring to life these issues so others can learn.\u00a0 If the last two years serves as any predictor of the third, we believe young people have a lot to say on these matters and they want and need to be heard.<\/p>\n

Last year\u2019s grand prize winner in particular, named \u201cWhere Are You?\u201d has been highly praised and demanded by schools,\u00a0youth advocacy groups, government organizations and law enforcement groups around the world.\u00a0 In 2 minutes and in a very modern edge\u00a0that mixes slam poetry with clever visuals, the speaker helps us understand we have choices online and there are consequences to those choices.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We honestly believe we could not have said it better ourselves.<\/p>\n

I have been struck by the numerous calls I get from groups asking for permission to use the videos that have won in the past.\u00a0 The comment I usually hear is: we scoured the web for something we could use, and these really spoke to us.\u00a0 They show things as they really are, as young people see them.<\/p>\n

The credit belongs entirely to the contestants.<\/p>\n

Once again, we\u2019ll give them the stage. And then get out of the way.<\/p>\n

We’re incredibly grateful that others feel as we do, and are proud to stand with the following organizations who will judge and support this year’s contest:<\/p>\n