Getting the balance right: You decide what you share
Stories by Digital Children
The Stories by Digital Children: A storytelling competition invites young children (5-12 year olds) to submit concepts for a children’s story. The series 2 theme for the competition is Getting the balance right: You decide what you share.
Did you know that once you share something online, it is hard to take it back? It’s really important to protect your personal and private information. It’s also important to think carefully before sharing any information on the internet.
Protecting your online identity is a skill that everyone needs to learn – even young children. And that’s why we need your help! We want you to come up with an idea for a storybook that will help other children and young people like you to think about what they should or should not share online.
Submissions close 28 February 2025.
Help other children learn how to protect their identities online
The Stories by Digital Children competition is a chance to submit your ideas for a children’s storybook based on the series 2 theme, Getting the balance right: You decide what you share.
Competition winners will work with children’s author Kim Maslin to create a published version of their story. Your story should be suitable for children slightly younger than you. For example, if you are 5-6 years old, the story should be for 4 year olds.
Your story will make it easier for other young children to understand that it is really important to protect your personal and private information when online. Submit your story idea online or download the template to get started.
The competition is open to children living in Australia in the following age categories, with a winner selected from each category:
- 5-6 year olds submitting a story for 3-4 year old children
- 7–8 year olds submitting a story for 5-6 year old children
- 9-12 year olds submitting a story for 7-8 year old children
Types of entries:
- Parent/child led – individual entry
- Teacher/Educator led – small group
- Class entries
One winner from each category will win a prize consisting of:
- A workshop with author Kim Maslin to develop their story idea into a book – including illustrations.
- A copy of the finished book to keep.
- A soft toy version of book’s main character.
There are two ways to submit your story idea – (1) completely online or (2) print and upload your paper copy to the submission form.
Make sure your parent/guardian or educator reads the Terms and Conditions before they submit your entry.
Email info@digitalchild.org.au with any questions about the submission process.
Information for adults: We understand not all children will be able to write their story idea. You can write or type the words as told to you by your child/children. If you have a small group or class entry, please ensure you have permission from the group/class members parents/guardians before you upload the entry on their behalf.
Submissions will be judged by the following criteria:
- The story makes sense for the audience.
- The story is fun and engaging for the audience.
- The story clearly articulates links to the theme of Getting the balance right: You decide what you share.
- The story concept can be transferred into a story for the appropriate age group.
- The suggested characters can be transferred into a story for the appropriate age group.
Competition winners will work on their book with children’s author Kim Maslin!
Help getting started
Get inspired by these trusted sources.
Submissions close on 28 February 2025. You can get started today
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- In short: Four children from across the country have authored books with the help of the Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child. The stories contain messages about safely managing screen time.
- What’s next? A digital technologies educator says screen time can create opportunities for children if managed appropriately.
