The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) today announced the kick-off of the Annual New York State Kids Safe Online Poster Contest to engage young people in thinking about cyber security through the creation of posters.

The contest, held annually since 2005, and in partnership with the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center’s (MS-ISAC) national poster contest, is a creative way to help reinforce online safety practices for our children who use the Internet.

“Cyber safety is a shared responsibility among all New Yorkers. As we spend more and more of our time online, cyber safety should be a priority in every household," said Margaret Miller, New York State Chief Information Officer. “The Kids Safe Online Poster Contest is just one small way New York is working to help keep kids safe while using the Internet. We are pleased to partner with the MS-ISAC on this important initiative.”

“Our youth have embraced technology as part of their daily lives. They also need to recognize the risks associated with using the Internet. This contest will give the participants and all those that see the winning entries a better understanding of how to stay safe online," said Thomas Duffy, Sr. Vice President of Operations Chair, Multi-State ISAC of the Center for Internet Security.

All New York State students in grades kindergarten through 12 can submit one poster that will encourage their peers to use the Internet safely and securely. The contest opens August 24, 2016, and submissions are eligible for consideration through November 30, 2016. Each entrant will receive a Certificate of Participation from New York State to acknowledge their effort and remind them of the risks associated with using the Internet and other communication technologies.

New York’s winners will be awarded in early 2017. Winning posters from each grade-band (K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9 -12) will be featured in the 2018 New York State Kids Safe Online Calendar, and will become eligible to participate in the MS-ISAC’s national contest. Last year, 442 entries were received from school-aged children across the State.

“Cyber safety must be an essential part of any online activity,” said Dr. Peter Bloniarz, Executive Director and Senior Policy Advisor to the Governors Cyber Security Advisory Board. “We live in a world that is more connected than ever, and it is very important to use safe practices when using the Internet and social media, especially young people.”

“The use of the Internet is growing exponentially. Now more than ever, it’s important to pay attention to what’s online and take steps to ensure children are safely and responsibly using the Internet,” said Jim Garrett, New York State Chief Information Security Officer. “The New York State Enterprise Information Security Office is taking a pro-active approach to raise awareness about cybersecurity, and inform New Yorkers of ways to stay safe online.”

For more information on the New York State Kids Safe Online Poster Contest or for additional information on how to stay safe, please visit http://www.its.ny.gov/2016-2017-kids-safe-online-nys-poster-contest.