FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. | Windsor-Essex County 

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has worked with a panel of youth judges to complete three rounds of youth voting, narrowing down 57 Connected, Not Controlled public service announcement (PSA) video submissions. The top five videos in the Grade 6 - 8 and Grade 9 - 12 divisions are now open for public voting.

The Connected, Not Controlled Challenge is a video contest for students in Grades 6 - 12 across Windsor-Essex. Students were asked to make a short, 30-second PSA video about how digital technology affects their well-being. The goal is to get students thinking about their tech habits and to encourage a healthy, balanced use of technology.

Public Voting is Now Open

The public will choose the winners by voting online. People can vote on the Connected, Not Controlled website, which will be open until May 4th at 11:59 p.m. (EST). During the voting period, voters can pick their favourite video daily for each of the two groups: one for Grades 6 - 8 and one for Grades 9 - 12. The videos with the most votes will win first, second, and third place in each group. Winners will be announced by May 8th.

Stay connected to the Challenge by visiting the Connected, Not Controlled Challenge website and follow the Health Unit on Facebook and Instagram for challenge updates and announcements.