Metrolink is going back to school with a creative competition aimed at educating pupils across Greater Manchester about the consequences of anti-social behaviour and fare evasion.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has teamed up with digital engagement agency ucreate to invite 200 schools in areas along the tram network most affected by anti-social behaviour to take part.
With the help of an innovative online toolkit, pupils aged between nine and 14 years old (years five to nine) are being asked create a 60-second television or radio advert to address anti-social behaviour and/or fare evasion. The aim is to prevent future incidents through engagement and education.
Three shortlisted entries will be shown on the big screen at HOME, Manchester’s international centre for contemporary visual art, theatre and film, following which the winner will be announced.
The winning entry will feature on TfGM’s social media channels, including YouTube and Facebook.
TfGM’s Metrolink Director, Peter Cushing, said: “While many incidents of anti-social behaviour are low-level, with those that make the headlines extremely rare, each one has the potential to impact our staff and passengers.
“To some, not paying for a ticket or throwing a stone may seem like a lark, but there are consequences for them too that perhaps they don’t consider at the time. If you commit anti-social behaviour you could end up with a criminal record and that can have big repercussions further down the line – anything from getting a mobile phone contract to travelling abroad or getting a job.
“And rather than going into schools to talk at children, we want to try and change behaviour. We hope to do that through education and engagement, so that if they find themselves in a position where they’re being egged on to commit anti-social behaviour then perhaps they’ll think twice.
“We want the adverts to be informative with a real call to action and we’re giving pupils free rein to be creative. We want them to have lots of fun in the process and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they come up with.”
Mark Matthews, Consultant for ucreate, said: “Our unique media projects help young people understand important issues in an innovative, fun and creative way. What’s great is that they can use modern technology such as their phone, tablet or PC to demonstrate their understanding and to share their work on social networks with friends and family.”
Jason Wood, Artistic Director:Film, HOME, said: “I think this is a wonderful initiative and a tremendous way of encouraging young people to use their imagination and energy to a creative end. It’s a real honour to be involved in this great project and to be part of the judging panel.”
The deadline for the projects to be submitted is 5pm on Wednesday 21 October 2015.
