Director of the University’s National Centre for Cyberstalking Research, Dr Short will cast her expert eye over submissions to Say No to Cyber Abuse, a youth film-making challenge set up by All Rise.

Dr Short, a Chartered Psychologist with expertise in cyber stalking and harassment, will judge alongside the likes of Cillian Murphy, of Peaky Blinders fame, and David Yates, Director of the last four Harry Potter films.

“This initiative is a brilliant way of engaging with young people to examine the issue and I am delighted that I have been asked to take part,” said Dr Short.

“Cyber abuse is a common experience for young people and can cause enduring feelings of desperation and misery, which disrupt their lives.

“It is absolutely crucial that the idea that online abuse causes no damage is dispelled and that we all consider the impact of our online communications.”

Working to the brief of Freedom of Speech is not Freedom to abuse online or offline, competitors between the ages of ten and 15 or 16 and 21 must produce a short film raising awareness of cyber abuse.

The organisers of the competition said of Dr Short’s inclusion on the panel:

“All Rise were thrilled that Dr Emma Short agreed to join the judging panel for their international film-making competition about cyber abuse.

“Emma has been a passionate supporter of our work from the very beginning and she is at the absolute coal face of this issue so her opinion on the submitted films will be of the very highest value.”

A series of exciting prizes are available for the best entries, from technological equipment to visits to Hollywood movie sets and even work placements within the industry.

Winners will be announced on Internet Safety Day – February 9 – at a high-profile evening in London attended by industry professionals, politicians and policy makers in the field.

Anyone interested in entering Say No to Cyber Abuse should visit the All Rise website

All Rise is a not-for-profit organisation with four key aims: to redefine people’s interpretations of cyber abuse, educate about it, research it and impact relevant legislation.

Please support All Rise’s crucial work by completing their survey about cyber abuse, the results of which will be used to influence policy around the issue.