The launch of the Office of Fair Trading’s 2022 Buy Smart Competition invites the State’s school students to show their smart shopping and consumer skills.
The Competition also has $15,000 in prizemoney to share out.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman said 2022 marked the 21st year of the Competition, which was open to students in Years 4 to 12.
“The longevity of the Competition, and the fact student participation has grown over those years, is a testament to how important students knowing their consumer rights has become,” Ms Fentiman said.
“The Competition gives young people the opportunity to learn about a range of consumer issues such as refund rights, advertising, fixed pricing and online scams,” she said.
Ms Fentiman said young people were spending more time online than ever before and, as a result, could be exposed to targeted advertising, and could also be subjected to online and phone scams.
“It is very important students develop consumer awareness skills as early as possible to help them recognise scams and navigate the traps and pitfalls that can come with online purchasing,” she said.
“Buy Smart can be a valuable resource for teachers too who can use the free lesson plans and classroom activities to integrate it into the current school curriculum.”
The Minister said the intention was not that the competition should be an added impost on teachers “but rather one that can seamlessly provide students an opportunity to discuss and learn about consumer rights”.
She said the competition was not restricted to schools.
“I encourage community youth groups, homework clubs and out-of-school-hours care centres to consider getting involved,” Ms Fentiman said.
