By Heather Lusk
Three students from Carmel Clay Schools were selected for their winning ideas in Bright House Networks and Net Literacy’s Students Speaking Out for Safety contest. They answered the question, “If you had 30 seconds, what would you say to your friends and family members about how to be safe online?”
Elementary school students from three Carmel schools were selected to have their concepts translated into public service announcements that will air on Bright House Networks during the month of March. Sara Susant, a fourth grader at Mowhawk Trails Elementary, Ayden Hagemann a fourth grader from Prairie Trace Elementary, and Ella English, a fifth grader from Cherry Tree Elementary, were selected as winners.
The contest, open to elementary, middle and high school students, was part of Bright House Networks and Net Literacy’s push to promote youth as active allies and advocates in internet safety.
Winners received the opportunity to present their message in a professionally produced public service announcement. The short videos will also be used by teachers, parents and nonprofit organizations to reinforce effective and safe ways for kids to step in and help others on topics ranging from cyberbullying, social networking, privacy, as well as many other difficult issues youth face online. Several hundred student entries were submitted for the contest.
“Our students are digital learners and it is important we teach them positive digital citizenship,” CCS Supt. Dr. Nicholas Wahl said. “Internet safety is an important component of being a good digital citizen, and we appreciate the opportunity to partner with Net Literacy and Bright House Networks in this contest. We are proud of all the winners and how their Internet Safety PSA announcements will help encourage their peers to practice safe digital habits.”
The winning students were recognized at the Feb. 22 school board meeting.
