Trend Micro, SM Cyberzone promote Net safety among teens

MANILA, Philippines - In line with its ongoing advocacy to build a safe online environment for kids and teens, Trend Micro Inc., a global leader in online security solutions, partnered with SM Cyberzone to spread awareness on how to safeguard oneself through online safety practices.

A series of road shows were held at SM Cyberzones across Metro Manila: SM Marikina, SM Southmall, and SM Sta. Mesa.

The interactive booths reached young Filipinos who tried their hand at a social media persona quiz, protected their Facebook profiles with the Trend Micro Titanium Privacy Scanner, and spoke to Trend Micro volunteers about the importance of maintaining a good online reputation to promote the What’s Your Story contest. 

“Knowing the dangers of the Internet gives teens a better appreciation of the need to embrace safer online practices,” said Myla Pilao, Trend Micro director of TrendLabs marketing communications.

“More and more young people are surfing, communicating, and sharing information on the Internet without knowing the importance of protecting their online reputation. Teens probably don’t realize that what they consider to be regular behavior with friends is actually bad Internet etiquette, that posting what they think is a ‘funny’ photo of themselves might later cause them problems, or that posts about upcoming plans for a family trip out of the country may put their family or home in danger,” Pilao added.

Since its inception 25 years ago, Trend Micro has had this vision of making the world safe in exchanging digital information. Most of its advocacies create awareness among children and teenagers on the importance of practicing responsible Internet use.

Under the global umbrella of Internet Safety for Kids and Families (ISKF), the Click Right Advocacy in the Philippines includes outreach activities via social media and blogs, traditional media, and speaking engagements in schools and spaces frequented by young Filipinos.

This year, the Click Right Advocacy is powered by partnerships with the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PHCERT), ELEVATE, and Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines.

With the deadline extended until Jan. 5, 2014, Trend Micro is inviting Filipinos to participate in an online video competition called “What’s Your Story?” by submitting an original 30-second to two-minute video themed “How do a keep a good reputation online and what are the consequences of not doing so?” 

Entries may be submitted on the official competition website, http://whatsyourstory.trendmicro.ph, in two categories: Individual category (for participants aged 18 and older) or School category (for participants aged 13 and 17). Entries to the School category must be submitted by the participant’s teacher or guardian.

Two winners from each category will be selected — a grand prize winner and a first runner-up will, winning $2,000 and $600, respectively.

The top two entries will represent the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific regional competition where two overall winners will be awarded a grand prize of $5,000 each. An audience choice winner will also be selected by fans. The video with the most likes at the end of the voting period will win $400.

For more information on the contest and video entry requirements, visit the official contest website at http://whatsyourstory.trendmicro.ph.

For questions about the What’s Your Story contest, send a message at Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TrendMicroPHISKF) or e-mail at [email protected].