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A local teen is trying to combat cyberbullying through an enticing contest.
SOS Safety Magazine is encouraging teenagers to raise awareness on social issues they face in the community by submitting an essay or short video that highlights a social issue students face in society.
“I made my video about cyberbullying because its a huge problem today especially with technology being everywhere,” said Jenny Luu, a Grade 12 student at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute and a finalist in the contest.
Luu’s video was influenced from the film Searching, a movie about a father trying to search for his missing daughter by accessing her laptop. The movie takes place digitally on screen so the viewer can feel as though they are accessing the web first hand.
Her video showcases the viewer being bombarded by bullying messages such as “Ur really ugly” and “No one likes you” while trying to complete an assignment.
“I see a lot of hate comments surface around, especially towards other girls picking on other girls for stuff like posting selfies or body image issues,” said Luu.
In a 2014 study by Statistics Canada, 17 per cent of internet users between 15 to 29 years of age faced either cyberbullying or cyberstalking in the five year study.
The study also states that cyberbullying is most prevalent amongst the younger generation and as internet use increases over the years, the cyberbullying may also.
Luu says using platforms such as social media and the SOS Safety magazine help advocate for anti bullying and opportunities like this contest help raise awareness.
“We believe that rewarding students for their active community involvement and safety initiatives is a powerful engagement program,” says a statement from the magazine.
Students have been using their creativity to highlight issues such as low self esteem, cyberbullying, alcohol, mental health and loneliness.
Luu said the Ford government's recent action to remove the free tuition program for low income families was upsetting.
“It really touched me because both my parents work in factories,” said Luu.
“This scholarship really gives me a stepping stone to university.”
The magazine holds an annual contest that allows teenagers who plan to pursue a post-secondary education. The winner gets $5,000 towards their post secondary schooling.
This year’s finalist will be picked by an online vote on the website by Jan. 31.
