Internet-safe kids win logo competition

Monmouthshire children were awarded for their design skills as part of a competition promoting the safe use of the Internet.

Pupils were asked to design a logo that will be used to promote the ‘e-safety' message.

Mark Davies, Schools ICT Development Manager at Monmouthshire County Council, said:

"We are asking children to remember to never give out personal information on the web, for instance what school they go to, their mobile phone number or email address. They are learning not to respond to emails from unknown addresses to reduce the risk of their computer getting a virus and we are also giving tips on using chat rooms and encouraging children to ‘tell' someone they trust they have any concerns or worries."

Emma Taylor, from Monmouthshire County Council's school improvement service, said:

"All our resources based on this subject- lessons, information, school assemblies etc. - will include a logo that represents ‘e-safety'. This logo was created by our winning pupils who should be very proud of their work."

Primary school pupils across Monmouthshire entered the competition in two age groups: 5 - 7 year olds and 8 - 11 year olds. Pupils were asked to design a logo and/or tag line and there were over 500 entries.

The pupils were presented with their prizes at an awards ceremony on Friday 7th November at The Dell Primary School in Chepstow.

Emily Finnister, aged 10, from Undy Primary School in Caldicot and Jordan Suttie, aged 7, from Kymin View Primary School in Monmouth were both runners up and received £50 each in gift vouchers.

Callum Dark, aged 7, from The Dell Primary School in Chepstow and Jessica Green, aged 10, from Durand Primary School in Caldicot both won first prize and both received a Nintendo DS Lite. Callum designed the character and Jessica devised the logo. Both designs were then reproduced by a graphic designer to produce this amazing E-Safety logo.

The competition prizes were sponsored by Monmouthshire business A2Z Computing Ltd.

The Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council, Councillor Susan White and Az Ashraf from A2Z Computing Ltd presented the winners with their certificates and prizes.

Councillor White said:

"I was told that the entries were of an excellent quality which made the judging very difficult.  I hope the winners enjoy their prizes and everyone who entered has a better idea of safety on the internet and always practice it when using their computer."

Az Ashraf said:

"A2Z Computing is proud to sponsor the e-Safety Poster and Logo competition for Monmouthshire primary schools. We are very aware of the need for safe internet usage and donated 2 Nintendo DS consoles for the winners and two Argos vouchers for £50 to the runners-up. We give ICT support to many of the Monmouthshire primary schools and are always there to advise on security and other issues."