Milton Abbey finds success with award winning online safety film at the 2026 Childnet Film Competition
Milton Abbey in Blandford Forum, Dorset has secured 3rd place in the Secondary Category at the 17th annual Childnet Film Competition. This impressive achievement highlights the students’ exceptional filmmaking talents and their strong commitment to promoting online safety for young people.
Judged by a prestigious panel of experts from the BBC, BBFC, Disney, the Motion Picture Association, as well as young people, the competition is a unique event, showcasing the power of youth voice in online safety education. The Childnet Film Competition attracted participants from all nations of the UK who embraced the challenge of creating short films on the theme of “Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”.
Milton Abbey’s film follows a young person using a chatbot to get advice on how to talk to somebody he likes, however, he becomes more isolated by this approach. Through editing and storytelling, we are shown how important it is not to replace our human relationships with AI chatbots. This entry impressed the judging panel with its distinctive approach, engaging content, and thoughtful delivery. By combining creativity with a vital and timely message, the students created an impactful online safety film for young people across the country. The awards were presented by Emilie Anthonis, President of the Motion Picture Association, who praised their work “an exceptional example of visual storytelling about the important topic of how young people tackle issues with AI.”
All winning films receive excellent filmmaking equipment, as well as their films receiving BBFC Classification, which allows them to be played in cinemas across the UK. Will Gardner OBE, CEO of Childnet and Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, says:
“The Childnet Film Competition has shown yet again the real impact that creativity can play in online safety education. These films not only showcase the young people’s filmmaking skills, but also show the power of their voice in creating high quality learning materials. Safer Internet Day 2026 found that almost all (97%) children and young people of all ages from 8 to 17 have used AI in some form, with many using AI online on a weekly, and even daily, basis. With this in mind, educating young people about the safe and responsible use of AI has never been more important, and seeing the amazing creations from all of our finalists and entrants showcases just how effectively film can play a part in this.”
Charlotte Tudor, VP Marketing Disney & Animation, Walt Disney Studios UK & EMEA and Film Competition Judge, said:
“We are proud to have partnered with Childnet for another year to support their work helping young people build knowledge, confidence and skills in the digital world. The responsible use of AI is something Disney continues to advocate for, and is crucial to ensuring a safe and positive online experience. It’s inspiring to see how our young finalists have used their creativity and storytelling skills to share understanding and shape conversations around this complex and increasingly important topic.”
About the Childnet Film Competition:
For the past 17 years, the Childnet Film Competition has challenged young filmmakers to create a short film or storyboard in response to a given theme. All entries must contain a positive message and be able to educate other young people. More information about the winning and shortlisted films can be found at childnet.com/film/winners.
This year, the Childnet Film Competition is made possible thanks to kind support from the BBFC, Disney and the MPA.
About Childnet:
Childnet is a UK-based charity who empower children, young people, and those who support them in their online lives, and its mission is to work with others to make the internet a great and safe place for all children and young people.
Launched in 1995, just two years after the public launch of the open web, Childnet has delivered a positive impact with its empowering, youth led, evidence based and collaborative approach to online safety, and has given children and young people the skills they need to navigate the internet safely and in a positive way.
As one of three charities in the UK Safer Internet Centre, Childnet coordinates Safer Internet Day in the UK, which reaches millions of UK children every year with online safety information about key issues.
