Competition launched for children to reveal their use of social media
A competition designed to help adults understand how children and young people use social media and online games is being launched by University of Sussex researchers on 01 February 2013. The competition, #iMedia , is part of the 'Space Invaders' project run by the University's Centre for Research and Innovation in Childhood and Youth, which is based in the School of Education and Social Work. Children aged between six and 18 who live in Brighton and Hove, and East Sussex, are being encouraged to make a three-minute video to describe how they use sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, as well as phone apps and online games. The videos will be judged by a panel comprising of children, educators and those working in the creative industries. The winners in each age category (6-11 years and 12-18 years) will receive an iPod touch and two runners-up in each category will be given £50 gift vouchers. Space Invaders project director Sevasti-Melissa Nolas said: "Many adults and parents are anxious about the amount of time children spend using social media. This competition will demonstrate the creative and innovative ways that children are using these media." The winning videos and a selection of the shortlisted will be screened at a special Space Invaders debate as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival on May 20.
