Video Contest for Kids Tied to Safer Internet Day

Feb. 5 was the 10th annual Safer Internet Day, a day that promotes safer and more responsible use of online technology, especially amongst children and young people.

Safer Internet Day teaches kids online rights and responsibilities and to "connect with respect."

Natick resident Lynette Owens is the founder and Global Director of Trend Micro's Internet Safety for Kids and Families Program (ISKF), as well as the Internet Safety Education Chair of the Natick Anti-Bullying Coalition.

"We're big believers in youth empowerment," said Owens, who writes a blog about Internet safety. "Technology's not to blame for these issues, but it does speed them up."

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This year, for the fourth straight year, Trend Micro is sponsoring a contest related to online safety. Entitled "What's Your Story?", this year's contest seeks videos that answer the question "What does the good side of the Internet look like?". Two $10,000 prizes will be given out, one to an individual and one to a school, as well as four prizes worth $1,000 apiece.

"We were blown away," Owens said of the reaction when they received videos for last year's contest. "The YouTube generation has something to say."

Entries for "What's Your Story?" will be accepted between Feb. 19 and Apr. 16.