1. Connected, Not Controlled Challenge
  2. Connected, Not Controlled: Frequently Asked Questions

Connected, Not Controlled: Frequently Asked Questions

About the Challenge Call to Action Facts FAQs Tips Rules Prizes Checklist Educators

The Connected, Not Controlled Challenge is a public service announcement (PSA) video contest where Windsor-Essex students in grades 6 to 12 can use their voices to raise awareness about the effects of digital technology on youth’s well-being and how to balance technology use. #ConnnectedNotControlledChallenge

  • Elementary school division: You must be a Windsor-Essex County student in grades 6–8.
  • Secondary school division: You must be a Windsor-Essex County student in grades 9–12.
  • Students who attend private schools in Windsor-Essex County and are enrolled in grades 6-12.

Your video could win up to $300 for yourself and $300 for your publicly funded school, along with other great prizes.

Help educate your peers and community by providing this important message.

Videos must not be more than 30 seconds long.

Videos must include:

Review the Video Submission Checklist when planning your video.

Video submissions must not include:

  • Copyrighted music, movies, video games, books, etc.
  • Logos, brands, or store signs.
  • You and anyone else should not use or show anything inappropriate, disrespectful, dangerous, or illegal in your videos. This includes things like drugs, bad language, or any harmful items.
  • Individuals who are not on the Entrant’s team.

Review the Video Submission Checklist before submitting your video.

Video entries may be submitted in English or French only.

  • You must provide the English translation/transcript in the space provided in the Video Submission Form if submitting a French language video.
  • Each submitted video is reviewed by our staff to make sure all the rules are followed.
  • If your video does not qualify/breaks the rules we will reach out to you through the email you provided to let you know.
  • If you receive an email, it will be clearly highlighted what is missing or what needs to be changed.
  • The link where you can resubmit your video will also be in the email.
  • Please take the time to make those edits and resubmit by May 20th, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
  • Make sure you check your email!

Connect the Challenge to the curriculum in your classroom. Find the curriculum links on the Educators page for the Challenge.

For additional ideas to incorporate into the curriculum, please visit the Media Smarts webpage.

If you are using the Challenge as a class assignment, take a look at the Educator Checklist to help you provide students tips to ensure their videos meet contest requirements.

Videos must be created by the entrant (students), not their parents/guardians, teachers, or other adults. You can create your video as part of a class project or youth program, but video entries must be student work.

The video must only show individuals who are part of the video submission group.

You can submit your video between April 14th to May 12th, 2025.

  • Be sure to have your video submitted by 11:59 PM ET on May 12th, 2025.
  • Submissions after midnight on May 12th, 2025, will not qualify for the contest.
  • You may only submit one entry - as an individual or as part of one group submission.

Use a creative video name. This is how we will identify your group throughout the judging process.

Once you click “submit” a screen showing your entry has been submitted will appear. 

Videos will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Does the video meet all of the Connected, Not Controlled Challenge Rules?
  • Is the video creative and original?
  • Is the video technically sound?
  • Does the video include content that conveys at least one Connected, Not Controlled Fact about the affects of digital technology on youth's wellbeing and one Call to Action?
  • Are the Connected, Not Controlled Facts in the video accurate?
  • Is the video message catchy and motivating to young people?
  • Each submission will be reviewed to ensure it meets the requirements of the contest.
  • A team of youth and adult judges will then select a group of 5 finalist videos in each division based on the criteria above.
  • The top 5 finalist videos from the elementary and secondary divisions will then be posted on the Connected, Not Controlled website for public voting to decide the winners.

Review the Video Submission Checklist before submitting your video to make sure you have everything you need.

  • Step 1: Create a 30 second video that meets contest rules.
  • Step 2: Each Entrant or Entrant team member who is under the age of 18, needs to make sure their parent or guardian completes a downloadable Parent/Guardian permission form or electronically.
  • Step 3: Upload your video to the submission page and complete the on-line submission form.
  • Step 4: Click "Submit"!
  • Entrants must complete every section of the forms. VIDEOS SUBMITTED WITH INCOMPLETE SUBMISSION FORMS WILL NOT BE JUDGED.

Yes, parent/guardian permission is needed for participants under the age of 18. Submit a completed parent/guardian permission form in one of the following ways:

Review the Tips for Creating and Uploading My Video document. This Woobox link may also help answer your questions.

If you are still having issues with your video submission, please fill out the form below or email us directly at cnc@wechu.org

  • No. You do not have to show yourself in the video.
  • Many have used illustrations, claymation, and digital art in their videos.
    • Be creative with it. Your creativity may help your video stand out from others!
  • All students involved in making the video must complete the Contest Permission Form. Other people cannot be shown in the video (siblings, teachers, classmates, etc).

If you have questions, please reach out to the cnc@wechu.org, or the WECHU Healthy Schools Helpline at 519-258-2146, ext. 1555.

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