MAKERFIELD MP Yvonne Fovargue MP is urging primary schools to “Make IT Happy, Make IT Safe” when using the internet.

The Make IT Happy competition is a UK-wide technology challenge for primary school students aged nine to 11. The competition is run by the Parliamentary Internet Communications and Technology Forum (PICTFOR) and e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology and backed by almost 100 MPs from across the UK.

This year’s competition has been specially designed to help children use the internet safely and creatively. Staying safe online is an important skill even for primary age children, and the competition helps them learn how to make the most of the internet without putting themselves at risk.

Children will be asked to design a digital poster, an infographic, that tells other people what they’ve learned and how they too can be safe on the web.

Each each of the regional finalists will receive £1,200 with and and additional £4,000 for the overall winning school. Winners will also be invited to an awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in June.

Mrs Fovargue MP said: “I encourage all of the local primary schools to get involved. I’m confident that pupils will enjoy the chance to work together on such an exciting and relevant project, as well as having the opportunity to win cash prizes for their school.”

The closing date for entries is April 6, 2013.

For further information and details of how to enter, visit the website at http://makeithappy.cc4g.net/