More than 70 student editorial teams participated in this year's 18th annual Consumption for Life competition, organized by the consumer organization dTest under the auspices of the Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ). The project aims to develop consumer and digital literacy among young people through the creation of their own magazines. The central theme of the current year was the issue of modern shopping and its impact on society and the environment.
High school and grammar school students focused on current phenomena in their work, such as fast fashion, the functioning of online marketplaces, and the safety of products offered online. The magazines also thoroughly addressed consumer rights when returning goods, e-shop marketing practices, and the risks associated with online payments. According to the organizers, the works often presented a critical view of clothing production ethics and the ecological impacts of excessive consumption.
The expert jury evaluated not only the graphic design but primarily the quality of the content and the ability to analyze complex economic topics. In strong competition, the team from the Czechoslovak Business Academy in Prague ultimately won with their magazine "wornout". Students from Gymnázium Plasy took second place with the title "SAKA", and Gymnázium Hello in Ostrava-Poruba placed third with the magazine "Možnost".
“The ČTÚ has long supported the competition because it helps develop consumer and digital literacy among young people and guides them towards safe and responsible behavior in the online environment.”
Participation in the competition provides students with practical experience in editorial work and an insight into the technical background of media. As a reward for the best thematic processing, the three winning teams will receive an expert excursion to a specialized workplace focused on digitalization, electronic communications, or television and radio broadcasting.
The dTest organization regularly organizes the Consumption for Life competition with the aim of raising awareness of consumer rights among a generation that operates daily in the digital environment. According to ČTÚ representatives, the ability to navigate marketing mechanisms and online platforms is crucial for minimizing the risks that young consumers face in e-commerce.