Words Wound Video Contest

Across the country, schools are looking for solutions to curb the rising problem of online bullying. Justin Patchin, Ph.D., and Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., the authors of the new cyberbullying prevention resource, Words Wound, think the answer lies in teens themselves. Full of strategies for dealing with online bullying, their book also shares stories from teens who are working to make their schools and communities kinder places.

We believe that teens are uniquely positioned to put an end to cyberbullying. More than parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, and law enforcement—teens have the power and ability to make it cool to respect and care about others.

This is where the Words Wound Video Contest comes in: We want to hear your ideas about how teens can use technology and the Internet to make schools better, safer places for other teens. How can we delete cyberbullying and make kindness go viral?

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

Create a short video (three minutes or less) responding to this question, “How can teens use technology and the Internet to make schools better, safer places for other teens?” Share efforts that are successful at your school or dream up completely new solutions. Get creative! Perform a slam poem, make a mini-documentary about your school, or act out a scenario using stop motion animation. Your imagination (well, that and your video editing skills. . .) is the only limit.
All entries must be posted on YouTube.  Do not send your video to Free Spirit.  After posting your video, email the link and following information to publicity@freespirit.com. Submitted videos will be accessible to the public via the Free Spirit YouTube channel. All entries made by students under age 18 must be submitted by a teacher, parent, or guardian.

Contact information should include the following:

1. The name and email address of the teacher, parent, or guardian submitting the entry.
2. The name(s) of the student or students that produced the entry.
3. The name of the school or K–12 academic institution that the student(s) attend.
4. The link (URL address) to the YouTube video.

THE PRIZE
The winning entry will receive a $250 cash prize along with a $250 gift certificate for their teacher or school library.
JUDGING
The winning entry will be selected by Free Spirit’s Teen Advisory Council. Entries will be judged based on:

• Creativity of the solution
• Perceived effectiveness
• Quality of the submission—Is it both informative and entertaining?

DEADLINES
April 15, 2014: Last day to submit an entry. Submissions close at midnight.
April 30, 2014: A winner will be notified via email and announced on the Free Spirit blog.
Participation in the Contest is subject to the Official Rules, which are available here.

Learn more.

 

Words Wound: Delete Cyberbullying and Make Kindness Go Viral

Order today!

By Justin Patchin and Sameer Hinduja

"Just when you think no one understands, someone does. Words Wounds will open dialogue across the country and the world! Drs. Justin Patchin and Sameer Hinduja share their years of experience and research of the depths of cyberbullying, to give you concrete solutions and tools to navigate today's digital society. Every parent needs to purchase this book for their pre-teen and teen today. Especially in today's society, we need to equip our children with the knowledge and resources they need to combat the underbelly of the cyberspace. Words Wound offers teens helping teens and sound advice and information that other teens will relate to." 

- Sue Scheff, Parent and Cyber-Advocate

Cyberbullying happens every day. Harsh words and damaging photos exchanged through texts, email, or social media can result in humiliation, broken friendships, punishment at school, and even legal prosecution.

In some cases, online harassment has contributed to teen suicide. Faced with this frightening problem, parents, educators, and teens are looking for information and advice. Many books have been written for adults about what cyberbullying is and what to do about it, but nothing has been written specifically for teens to help them to protect themselves and their peers.

Written by the foremost experts in cyberbullying prevention and reviewed by teens, this book provides practical strategies for those who are being cyberbullied, seeing cyberbullying, or who just want to do something to help make their schools a safer and more respectful place. The book includes dozens of real-life stories from those who have experienced cyberbullying, including many who have risen above it to make a positive difference in their schools.

In short, "Words Wound" helps students to be the primary agents of change to "delete cyberbullying and make kindness go viral." Are you ready to join the movement?

Order on Amazon today!