Students from a school in Dorset have become pioneers for online safety awareness by creating a award-winning film.

The film, made by students at Milton Abbey School, won an award in the Childnet Film Competition. 

Online safety charity Childnet asked young people to create a short film or storyboard exploring the theme of 'Time to talk! How can we support each other online?'.

Milton Abbey School, in Milton Abbas near Blandford, placed first in the secondary category of 11-18 year old entrants, impressing the esteemed panel of judges.

Students' unique documentary style film Time to Talk - with Digital Cyberborough, drew inspiration on Sir David Attenborough’s presentation style.

The judges' panel included industry leaders from organisations such as BAFTA, the BBC, the British Board of Film Classification, the British Film Institute, Disney and Motion Pictures Association.

Mark Reid, Head of UK Learning Programmes at the BFI, said the winning film was 'confidently scripted and performed, really carried it off, just the right mix of recognisability and zany humour.'

Will Gardner OBE, CEO of Childnet and Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: “A huge congratulations to Milton Abbey Secondary School.

"Their success will undoubtedly inspire and encourage other schools and young filmmakers to harness their talents and contribute to the growing conversation around online safety.

“This year’s Safer Internet Day research showed that young people want to make a difference through speaking up, helping their friends, and promoting online safety, and I believe all the winners, finalists and entrants entries we saw reflected that spirit of online safety awareness.”

The films are available to watch at childnet.com/film and are a unique and engaging way of learning about online safety from a young person’s perspective.

Whether for a teacher to use as a resource in class, or for fellow young people to view on Childnet’s YouTube or website, all finalists have helped Childnet in achieving its mission to make the internet a great and safe place for children and young people.