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JAM | Feb 26, 2024

Kingston Technical High School empowers youth through creative arts for online safety

/ Our Today

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Sanjay Clarke of Kingston Technical High School, accompanied by his schoolmates, delivers a dancehall melody promoting online safety at Flow’s Safer Internet Day Youth Summit. (Photo: Contributed)

In a dynamic display of talent and enthusiasm, Kingston Technical High School (KTHS) took
center stage at Flow’s Safer Internet Day Youth Summit, held at Kendal Camp and Conference Centre in Mandeville on February 6.

Harnessing the power of the creative arts, students from the school used poetry, drama, and music to effectively communicate the significance of online safety to their peers.

The talent pieces by KTHS were a great compliment to the panel discussions which tackled the issues of cyberbullying, data privacy, as well as explored the entrepreneurial opportunities the internet provides.

For the first panel discussion, KTHS’s Dejeanea Robinson addressed the scourge of cyberbullying through dub poetry. By delving into the emotional and psychological impacts of online harassment, she shed light on the importance of fostering a safe and respectful digital environment.

Data privacy is another hot topic for teens, particularly around keeping personal images private. Through compelling storytelling and dramatic performances,

KTHS underscored the need for vigilance and caution with a skit titled, ‘My Youth, Yu Caan Post Dat’.

To introduce the final panel discussion, Sanjay Clarke captivated the audience with a Kraff-style dancehall melody, offering insightful tips on business opportunities online.

By infusing the panel discussions with creative pieces, Flow’s public relations manager, LeVaughn Flynn, said this added another medium to communicate its message.

“Students learn through multiple modalities, so we wanted to introduce another layer to our messaging around these very important issues,” said Flynn. “Through great performances, innate talent and relatable messaging, the students effectively conveyed the essence of online safety.”

Reflecting on the opportunity to showcase their talents on such a significant platform, Carla Bradshaw-Graham of KTHS commented: “We are immensely grateful for the chance to utilise the creative arts as a means of educating and empowering students. By harnessing the creativity and enthusiasm of young people, we can inspire positive change and promote a safer online environment for all. We believe in partnerships and through initiatives like the Safer Internet Day Youth Summit, we can collaborate to foster a culture of digital responsibility.”

Through their inspiring performances and insightful messages, KTHS exemplified the profound impact of leveraging creative arts to promote online safety and empower the next generation of digital citizens.

The Flow Safer Internet Day Youth Summit attracted students from schools across the island and is the company’s flagship event in recognition of Safer Internet Day.

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