By ALESHA CAPONE
AN ARTISTIC teenager from Derrimut has helped to create an iPhone application that gives children advice about cyber bullying.
The ’Bully Stoppers’ app, which is available to download from the iTunes store, is a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).
Seventeen-year-old Aila Serrano was recruited to create the app’s artwork by her media teacher, Ashley Hall, at Lakeview Senior College in Caroline Springs.
Aila worked on the app, which has just been released, while completing her VCE studies last year.
Mr Hall, who works at ACMI in addition to Lakeview Senior College, did the app’s programming and writing.
Aila invented the app’s main character, Finn the Cyber Safety Monster.
She also used computer programs to create the app’s artwork and animations.
“I enjoyed it, because I like making things like that,” she said.
“The app is for students around Grade 3 and 4, preferably those who are starting to socialise online.
“It includes information on cyber-bullying, where to get help and how to stay safe online.”
Aila is presently putting her creative talents to good use, studying film and television at Swinburne University.
Both Aila and Mr Hall said they were thrilled to see the Bully Stoppers app available online.
“I was really proud and excited. I think it’s pretty cool that myself, Aila, the department and ACMI have an app in the iTunes store, and that it is a great achievement,” Mr Hall said.
“There are also sections which offer information for parents as well – about how technology is great, but how to help their children use it safely and securely, and how to talk to them about cyber bullying.”
The Bully Stoppers app can be downloaded free on at https://itunes.apple.com/ for use on some iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches.
