STUDENTS from Robert May’s in Odiham have been declared Police Apprentice winners for their campaign about ‘sexting’.

Hampshire Police held the final of a communications campaign competition for schools last Friday, where groups of students pitched their personal safety advice in a range of creative ways to fellow pupils and a panel of expert judges about the consequences of sharing nude or sexual pictures.

The Apprentice initiative is part of the police’s Safe4me education programme, with secondary schools from across the whole area submitting their entries in June.

Robert May’s was one of six schools shortlisted by Hampshire Constabulary to give presentations at the final after more than 80 initial entries.

The Odiham students came out on top however for their original animated concept that warned of nude and sexual pictures spreading like ‘Wildfire’ once shared.

A recent survey of more than 900 students in Hampshire schools conducted by Hampshire Constabulary found that 13 per cent of students did not think it was against the law for young people aged under 18 to take, send or share naked selfies or images of a sexual nature, while more than a third, 36 per cent, said they or someone they knew had been involved directly or affected by sexting.

When asked if they would know what to do if sexual or naked images of themselves or a friend were shared with others or used against their self, 40 per cent said they would not.

The judging panel on the night consisted of agencies in partnership with the police, including the NSPCC, the National Crime Agency Child Exploitation & Online Protection command and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Commission.

Sara Glen, Hampshire Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable, who helped judge the competition said: “We thought all the entries were phenomenal, it was a very difficult judgement call. The reason why the winner was chosen was because of their inclusiveness.

“We were particularly inspired by the fact that they were thinking about people within our communities who might be more likely to be targeted by sexting, and perhaps don’t have a voice.

“We also liked how they bonded as a team, and everybody within that team had a particular distinct role.”

Robert May’s win means they will now have the opportunity to work with Hampshire Constabulary to produce a campaign that delivers key messages to young people about the implications of sexting.

Kathleen Wingfield, a teacher from the school, was delighted as she watched her students collect first prize, adding: “We’re so proud of the students for the innovative skills, dedication and co-operation they displayed in both creating and presenting their campaign proposal.

“It’s really important that young people have these opportunities because of the true insights and respected influences they bring to solving issues affecting their age group.

“I hope their vivid and inclusive idea can have a positive effect on more young people being safer and stronger in the decisions they take when using technology to connect with their peers.”