Consumer Stuff ChallengeInformation for Students

Year 8 Economics 2012

Competition run by the Humanities Faculty of Lilydale High School

Students from all Year 8 Humanities classes create an ‘Information Product’ on a consumer issue

What is it?

You can learn about how to help other young people learn more about their rights when it comes to buying and selling goods and services.

You can work on your own or in a small group. 2 Students per group.

You can win prizes!

Why enter?

Prizes!Individual•There will be prizes for individual entries

Team•There will be prizes for team entries

Judges can make highly commended awards at their discretion.

Step 1: Choose a consumer or financial topic that interests you and other young consumers.

Tip: The Consumer Affairs Victoria website has lots of information to inspire you.

www.consumeraffairs.vic.gov.au

Step 2: Find out as much as you can about the topic. Below is a list of possible topics and websites to help you get started.

Step 3: Consider:who needs this information? Think about your audience.

what do people need to know about this topic? Step 4: Decide what you want to say. What is the most important information? Step 5: How will you present this information?

INSTRUCTIONS

Possible sub-topics:◦ What is mobile phone debt and why should I avoid it? What is

bankruptcy?◦ How to avoid big charges on your phone◦ Prepaid or plan/contract mobile?◦ What is a cap and are they a good idea?◦ Do I need a phone?◦ Understanding mobile phone terms (the fine print)◦ Do I need a fancy/iPhone type phone? What is the difference

between prepaid and contract/plan/post-paid phones? ◦ What are mobile phone caps?◦ If I’ve signed a contract, what are the consequences?◦ What questions should I be asking if I go into a mobile phone shop? ◦ Choice website

Australian Consumers Association websiteChoosing and buying telecommunications equipment - Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman websiteHandles small business and residential complaints about telephone or Internet services

◦ www.phonechoice.com.au◦ www.toolkit.acma.gov.au

Topic: Mobile phones

SCAMwatch websiteAustralian Competition and Consumer Commission scams website

Scams - Consumer Affairs Victoria websiteVictoria’s consumer protection agency

Topic: Internet Scams

Buying a used car - Consumer Affairs Victoria websiteVictoria’s consumer protection agency

Choice websiteAustralian Consumers Association website

Buying or repairing a car - VACC websiteVictorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce

Buying and selling - VicRoads websiteVictorian statutory authority that plans, develops and manages the state’s arterial road network and delivers registration and licensing services.

Topic: Buying a used car.

Go for your life websiteGovernment campaign to encourage Victorians to exercise

Go for 2&5 websiteGovernment campaign to encourage Victorians to eat more fruit and vegetables

Quit Victoria websiteOrganisation to help people stop smoking

Better Health Channel websiteVictorian Government resource to help individuals and their communities improve wellbeing

Topic: Body Image

Guarantees, warranties and refunds - Consumer Affairs VictoriaVictoria’s consumer protection agency

Make a complaint - Consumer Affairs Victoria websiteVictoria’s consumer protection agency

Making a complaint - ACCC websiteAustralian Competition and Consumer Commission; an Australian Government organisation that promotes competition and fair trade to benefit consumers, business and the community

Australian Consumer Law websiteInformation about the Australian Consumer Law and its enforcement, and consumer policy in Australia

Topic: Making a Complaint

Green PowerAustralian Government accreditation program for renewable energy

Energy RatingAustralian Government guide to choosing an energy-efficient appliance

Topic: Saving Energy

Guarantees, warranties and refunds - Consumer Affairs Victoria

Victoria’s consumer protection agency

Topic: Getting a Refund

Food Standards Australia New Zealand website

Government agency that develops and administers requirements for foods, such as additives, food safety, labelling and genetically-modified foods

Topic: Food Safety

Managing money MoneyHelp websiteFinancial information for Victorians experiencing difficulty paying their rent or mortgage, or facing job lossYouth credit and debt

Managing money MoneyHelp websiteFinancial information for Victorians experiencing difficulty paying their rent or mortgage, or facing job loss

Topic: Youth Credit and Debt or Managing Money

What could my group or I make?

Deciding on the format

Criteria Sheet

•All submissions must be your own original work

Past entry

Past entry

Past entry

Past entry

Past entry

Past entry, Lilydale High School