The contest is over… for now!

Thanks for your interest in the 2011 What's Your Story internet safety video contest. The deadline for submitting a video has passed, but please enjoy the 100+ videos entered by visiting The Video Gallery, or skip right to The Winners — and be sure to check back next year! (will edit this depending on what we decide to do with the gallery page)

Participants submitted inspiring public service announcements, hilarious re-enactments, and many other kinds of videos on one of these three Internet safety topics:

1. Take action against bullying: How would you help a friend being bullied online?

It’s important to understand that we all have a role in making the Internet a safe, positive and productive place for everyone. How? By following rules and laws. But also by respecting people who have a different view and doing the right thing. There may be times when people are hurtful online or over text. If you saw that happening, what would you do? Consider the following for this category:

• Stand up, don’t stand by. There are many ways to help a friend who is being hurt online, including reporting it to someone and talking to the person being hurt — how can you help?
• How can you make your school or community a place where bullying just won’t fly?

2. Keep a Good Rep Online: What’s the right way to share?

Social media sites, blogs, and photo and video sites are great ways to share the stuff you create or like with others. And they provide privacy settings and other tools to help you manage who sees what you’re sharing. But what happens when we share with people who have a different view on privacy? Create a video that shows us what smart online reputation management looks like. Some things to think about:

• Do you protect your own privacy? Do you respect that of others?
• Are you using a secure website, privacy settings and security software in a way that protects your info?

3. Be Cell Smart: How can someone new to cell phones use it wisely?

Mobile devices are connecting our world more and more — they help us stay in touch with friends and family, access music, take and share photos and download apps. What advice would you give someone who’s about to get their first cell phone? Think about the following:

• Snapping and storing photos and videos, texting friends — is there content on your phone that could embarrass or hurt you or someone else?
• What would happen if you downloaded an app that was a hoax or visited a hacked website from your smartphone?

Helpful Tips

Now that you know the categories, make your video a contender. Visit the Resources page to find links to professional research, as well as expert opinions and advice on the three contest categories. Or start with these helpful tips:

• Don’t use copyrighted content (like someone else’s music) in your video. Make sure to use original music or stock music so your video can be unique and won’t get rejected
• Create an engaging way to tell your story, like a confessional, an educational piece, a dramatic or funny re-enactment
• Keep it short — 30 seconds to 2 minutes. When planning out your video keep in mind videos over 2 minutes will get rejected.
• Consider planning out your video with a storyboard so you have a scene plan before shooting it
• Submit one video per category for up to three chances to win
• Think about the quality of a $10,000 video (See last year’s winners for some inspiration)
• Get the word out by sharing your video with your friends, family, and others in your community
• Keep in mind that these videos will be used to help educate kids and families and promoted by members of the judging panel

View the official rules for all the details.