“Pause to Protect”: A Creative Challenge for Teens

Young people aged 12–18 years old (born between 2008 and 2014), who are Vietnamese citizens currently living in Viet Nam.

1. Creative Submission

Inspired by the Pause button, create one original visual piece (for example: a poster, photograph, illustration, comic strip, or similar format) that reflects your perspective on the message:

“Pause to Protect.”

Your submission could explore:

• A moment that made you stop and think while using the internet
• The value of being more mindful online, or pausing before clicking, posting, or sharing
• Ways that you and others can help create a safer online environment
• Any other interpretation inspired by the challenge theme

Be as creative as you like and share your authentic perspective. 
Each participant may submit one entry only. 
 

2. Categories

• Category A: Original Creation (No AI) 

Participants create and complete their work independently using manual methods, photography, or design tools such as Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator, and similar software. 

Generative AI tools may not be used to create or substantially modify the content or imagery of the submission. AI-generated images or content may not be used as a direct basis for recreating the final work. 

Using AI for research, inspiration, brainstorming, or idea development is permitted. 

Participants are expected to select this category honestly and in good faith. 
 

• Category B: AI-Assisted Creation 

Participants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the creation of their work. 

Submissions will be evaluated not only on the final product but also on how thoughtfully, creatively, and appropriately AI is used to support the message. 

Participants must clearly indicate:

• Which AI tools were used
• How AI contributed to the creative process 
   

3. Short description (Maximum 100 Words)

Include a brief description of up to 100 words explaining your idea, your creative approach, the message you wish to convey 

To be considered eligible, all submissions must meet the following technical and ethical requirements. 

a) Technical Requirements 

• Maximum length: 1 page
• Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF
• Maximum file size: 10MB 

If submitting a photograph of a hand-drawn artwork: 

• The image must be clear and well-lit
• The entire artwork must be visible
• All text and visual elements must be legible 

Participants must upload their work to Google Drive and enable the setting: “Anyone with the link can view.” The Google Drive link must be included in the submission form. 
 

b) Safety and Ethical Considerations 

• You are not required to appear in your submission.
• Do not share personal information such as your address, school name, or phone number.
• If your submission includes your image, please discuss it with a parent or guardian beforehand. For entries selected for the next round, organizers may request additional guardian consent.
• Do not use images of other people, especially children, without their permission.
• Avoid depicting or promoting dangerous, risky, or unsafe online behaviors unless they are clearly presented in a critical or educational context.
• Participants retain ownership and copyright of their work.
• By submitting an entry, you grant UNICEF a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, adapt, and share the work for non-commercial communication, advocacy, and educational purposes across UNICEF platforms. 

c) AI Use Policy 

Digital tools, including AI, may be used to support your work. However: 

• The core ideas and content must be your own.
• Entries generated entirely by AI without meaningful human contribution may be disqualified.
• Any AI use must align with the competition category selected and be declared honestly during submission. 

HOW WILL YOUR IDEAS BE EVALUATED?

Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Read the challenge theme, requirements, and eligibility information on UNICEF Viet Nam’s website.
• Step 2: Create your submission.
• Step 3: Submit your entry through the official submission form https://unicef.link/4utcD8d before 11:59 PM on 21 June 2026.

When completing the form:

• Provide all required personal information.
• Upload your work to Google Drive and ensure that “Anyone with the link can view” is enabled.
• Double-check that organizers can access your submission.
• Paste the Google Drive link into the submission form.
• Include your short description (maximum 100 words).
• Confirm the statement: “I certify that this work is based on my own ideas and that I accept full responsibility for any disputes arising from my submission.”

For questions, please contact UNICEF Viet Nam through its official Facebook page. 

KEY DATES:

• 4 June – 21 June 2026: Submission period
• (Tentative) 1 July 2026: Announcement of the Top 30 shortlisted entries (15 entries from each category) and launch of public voting on UNICEF Viet Nam’s official Facebook page.
• (Tentative)15 July 2026: Announcement of winners on UNICEF Viet Nam’s official Facebook page. 
   

AWARDS

The challenge includes five awards: 

• 2 Outstanding Creative Idea Awards (One winner per category)

Presented to the entries demonstrating the most original concepts and strongest visual appeal. 

• 2 Impactful Message Awards (One winner per category) 

Presented to the entries that communicate the most powerful and meaningful messages. 

• 1 People's Choice Award 

Presented to the entry receiving the highest level of valid engagement and support from the online community during the public voting period.
 

SELECTION PROCESS 

1. Shortlisting 

The organizing committee will select up to 30 outstanding entries based on the published judging criteria.

Authors of shortlisted entries will be notified via email.

Important: If a shortlisted submission includes images of children, organizers may request written consent from a parent or guardian. If the required documentation is not provided within the specified timeframe, the entry may be replaced. 

2. Public Voting

The 30 shortlisted entries will be published on UNICEF Viet Nam’s Facebook page for online voting.

The submission receiving the highest number of valid engagements and shares will receive the People's Choice Award.

Specific rules regarding voting procedures, valid interactions, and disqualification criteria (such as suspicious activity, spam, or artificial engagement) will be announced separately. 

3. Jury Review

Alongside the public voting phase, the judging panel will continue evaluating shortlisted entries to determine the winners of the Outstanding Creative Idea Awards and the Impactful Message Awards.

All creators of the Top 30 shortlisted entries will receive a Top 30 Certificate from the programme. Certificates will be sent to the email addresses provided during registration.

Winners of the Outstanding Creative Idea Award, Impactful Message Award, and People's Choice Award will receive exclusive UNICEF Viet Nam limited-edition gifts.