New York State Office of Information Technology Services Announce...

Twelve Posters Selected from Student Entries Across New York State Schools

The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) today announced the 12 winners of the New York State "Kids Safe Online" Poster Contest. The winners were selected from more than 530 participants from schools across New York State. Winning posters may be viewed on the ITS website.

The goal of the contest, held annually since 2005, is to engage young people in thinking about cybersecurity through the creation of posters that will encourage their peers to use the internet safely and securely. The contest was open to New York State students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.

This competition also serves as an opportunity for teachers across New York State to address and reinforce cybersecurity and online safety issues in the classroom. Students have a chance to illustrate their concerns about cyberbullying, sharing personal information, interacting with strangers online and the appropriate use of social media platforms with their peers and teachers in a positive way.

New York State Chief Information Officer Dru Rai said "With the pace at which technology is evolving and the introduction of children to the internet at such an early age, it is important for us to educate our young people about online dangers and how they can protect themselves. This year's poster submissions show that students across the state are not only engaged and interested in keeping themselves safe, but also excited to share their knowledge with others."

"For 19 years, New York State has been proud to participate in the Kids Safe Online Poster Contest. Each year we see poster submissions that are increasingly creative and informative. The quality of the submissions we received this year made judging quite a challenge, and that is why we are so proud to announce the contest winners." said New York State Chief Information Security Officer Chris DeSain.

The winners' artwork will be featured in the 2025 New York State "Kids Safe Online" Calendar. Winners will also receive a New York State certificate of achievement.

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 New York State Poster Contest winners:

Maeve Burns, Grade 1, Hemlock School, Garden City Public Schools

Alexis Mikula, Grade 2, Ledgeview Elementary, Clarence Central School District

Zara Arutunian, Grade 2, Ledgeview Elementary, Clarence Central School District

Tavea Minto, Grade 5, Gardiner Manor Elementary, Bay Shore Schools

Sienna Alteri, Grade 5, Glencliff Elementary School, Niskayuna Central School District

Evelyn Koo, Grade 5, J. Irving Baylis Elementary School, Syosset School District

Samantha, Grade 6

Natalie Yu, Grade 6, Garden City Middle School, Garden City Public Schools

Simon Garretson, Grade 6, Schalmont Middle School, Schalmont Central School District

Alexander Bravo, Grade 10, Saunders Trades & Technical High School, Yonkers Public Schools

Ruben Penalbert Jr., Grade 11,St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School, Diocese of Rockville Centre

Mohsen Uddin, Grade 12, Brooklyn Technical High School, District 12K430

Find more information on the New York State "Kids Safe Online" Poster Contest, as well as additional cybersecurity resources, on the ITS website.