Nominet How would you create a kinder online world?

[Acorn Newsbot]

In June 2024, we had the pleasure of attending the Childnet Film Competition. Now in its 15th year, it invites young people from across the UK to create short films on online safety themes. The film competition not only nurtures young filmmakers, but also encourages critical thinking about their safety online.

This year’s theme posed the question: “How would you make the internet a better place?”. From our own research at Nominet, we know that many young people are experiencing distressing content on social media, and that those in marginalised groups – such as LGBTQ+ young people and those with disabilities – are most likely to state that social media has a negative impact on people like them (38%). However, many young people also tell us that social media makes them feel more connected to others, and 40% believe it can be a force for good. It was great to hear school children’s thoughts on how to make a better internet a reality.

Here were our key takeaways from the amazing films:

1. Say yes to kindness: Children believe that spreading kindness online can significantly improve the internet. Encouraging positive comments, supporting others, and standing up against cyberbullying are essential steps. One film that stood out to us was “Think B4 U Speak”. This impactful film highlighted the consequences of negative language during online gaming, urging kindness and support for a better online environment.
2. Get in the know: Educating peers about online safety, privacy, and critical thinking is crucial. Children advocate for teaching digital literacy skills in schools and promoting responsible internet use.
3. Report, report, report: Our research shows that 76% of people aged 8 – 25 in the UK have experienced online harms. Empowering young users to report harmful content, fake news, or inappropriate behaviour helps to maintain a safer online environment. Reporting mechanisms should be accessible and user-friendly. One of the schools, when interviewed at the event, said that they wished report or block buttons were much bigger! And some students didn’t even know that they were there on a website until they were told about them.
4. Be a positive role model: Children need positive role models who promote kindness, authenticity, and ethical behaviour to inspire others to follow suit. Put perfectly by Moat Farm Junior School’s entry – “always be kind and treat people the way you want to be treated”.

The winning films have the potential to inspire positive change and remind us, collectively, that we can make the internet a better, kinder place for everyone. You can watch the winning films and witness the creativity of these talented young creators here!

And if you want to start conversations with children about online safety and how to navigate the online world, Childnet has a whole host of resources to help.

The Childnet Film Competition is delivered as part of Childnet’s work in the UK Safer Internet Centre, part-funded by Nominet and with support from the Motion Picture Association.

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