YOUNG writers have investigated problems facing youngsters as they go on-line for their entry into The Sentinel's Young Journalist Awards.

Year 10 media studies pupils from Holden Lane High School in Sneyd Green got to grips with the subject of e-safety and examined how it affects them on a daily basis.

Some aspiring journalists outlined their experience of the school blocking certain websites and the arguments surrounding censorship.

Others looked at cyber bullying in light of this week's national Anti-Bullying Week initiative.

Alison Ellis, curriculum leader for media and achievement director for English, said: "E-safety has been a focus for our media students.

"It is something they need to be aware of so they can understand why certain websites are blocked and things that can happen to them on-line.

"Because certain sites are blocked it is hard for students to get to the resources they need and that is something they have looked at in their articles.

"When pupils join us in Year 7, they sign a contract on e-safety, so from the minute they arrive it is an issue they are aware of."

Such has been the youngsters' interest in the on-line world that the BBC have filmed a short film at the school.

And Miss Ellis added: "The group that has taken part in this have just started their GCSE options and so they need to be aware of this topic early if they are doing media studies."

Cyber bullying has hit the headlines in recent years courtesy of the growth of social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Bebo, none of which can be accessed on the school's computers.

And Kieran Minshall, aged 14, from Milton, said: "I have written about how websites like Facebook are blocked and how we could use them to help with our work.

"I've never had any experience of cyber bullying or anything like that. I can understand why certain websites are blocked, but I think we could use them in a positive way.

"I am interested in journalism and like the idea of going out and interviewing people."

Amber Eaton, aged 14, from Norton, said: "My article looks at how pupils' education could be helped if certain sites weren't blocked."

William Lowndes, aged 14, from Sneyd Green, said: "I enjoyed putting the article together, but it was tough coming up with 400 words."

The competition is a joint venture between The Sentinel and Staffordshire University.

Competition judging will take place on Tuesday, February 23, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony on Tuesday, March 16.

Winners in the photographic categories will receive a camera, while those who top the story categories will be handed a computer.

All winners will also receive a framed photo certificate and have their story or picture published in The Sentinel.

They will also get a tour of The Sentinel's headquarters and Staffordshire University journalism staff will visit their school or college to stage a news day.