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BBC “Own It” app helps young children to be safe online
A new BBC app to help young smartphone users navigate the online world safely and appropriately has launched in the UK. It is called “own It” and certainly worth investigating. Please read this artilce for more information.
The clever bit is that it features a special keyboard, which works across any app on the phone, and uses machine learning to recognise language that might suggest a child is in trouble. If the user’s behaviour starts to stray outside the norm, the app will respond by offering the user help and advice, and encouraging them to talk to a trusted adult.For example, if a child types something which might be upsetting to the person receiving it, the app encourages them to consider how it could be perceived by others.
On a basic level, the “Own It” app allows users to keep a diary of their emotions, giving them the chance to record how they’re feeling and why. However, the clever bit is that it features a special keyboard, which works across any app on the phone, and uses machine learning to recognise language that might suggest a child is in trouble.
If the user’s behaviour starts to stray outside the norm, the app will respond by offering the user help and advice, and encouraging them to talk to a trusted adult.For example, if a child types something which might be upsetting to the person receiving it, the app encourages them to consider how it could be perceived by others.
The aim is to prevent cyberbulling by intervening early, and equip children with the skills they need to be good digital citizens.The special keyboard can also detect when a child is entering personal details and remind them to think twice about whether it is safe to do so before sharing.
The app has been developed with input from organisations that form part of The Royal Foundation’s taskforce on the prevention of cyberbullying, put together by the Duke of Cambridge. It also includes specially commissioned BBC content, which the broadcaster said would help young people make the most of their time online and build healthy online behaviour around issues such as managing screen time and their general digital wellbeing.
“The digital world is a fantastic place for people to learn and share, but we know many young people struggle to find a healthy online balance, especially when they get their first phones,” said Alice Webb, director of BBC Children’s and Education. “Our Own It app gives them a helping hand as they navigate this new experience so that they can make the most of the time they spend on their phones whilst avoiding some of the pitfalls. “We’re using cutting edge machine learning technology in a way no one has done before, putting help, support, assistance and a bit of fun too directly into young people’s hands at the moments when they need it most.”
The BBC said nothing a user types will leave their device, with the machine learning processing taking place on their smartphone. The app won’t provide reports or feedback to parents.
