Tozi App: A Safer Online Experience for Teens
Teenagers are spending more and more time online, but the internet can be a dangerous place for them. Cyberbullying and mistreatment are prevalent, with 45% of teens witnessing online abuse and 1 in 10 experiencing cyberbullying, as reported by Dublin City University’s Anti-Bullying Centre.
Recognizing the need to make the internet safer for young people, Vodafone Ireland has partnered with DCU and the ISPCC to create the Tozi app. This innovative app aims to educate, empower, and support teenagers, providing them with the tools and advice they need to have a positive online experience.
The Tozi app features various components to ensure a safer online environment for teens. The first is Cosmos, a content library that offers stories and tips on how to handle common online scenarios such as ghosting, trolling, and account hacking. By learning about these situations, young people can develop strategies to protect themselves and their mental well-being.
Additionally, the app includes My Space, a private journaling area that offers a gamified diary and feelings tracker. This feature allows teenagers to express themselves, reflect on their emotions, and identify any distressing online experiences. Should they encounter bullying or witness something upsetting while online, they have immediate access to Live Help through Childline, providing the necessary support and guidance.
In other news, Terry Deary, the celebrated author, actor, and educator, is bringing his Horrible History Roadshow to Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork on September 19. From 6pm to 7.30pm, families will have the opportunity to hear captivating stories and discover Deary’s latest series, The Tales of Ballydoon. Designed for first- to sixth-class primary school pupils, these six novels cover Ireland’s social, environmental, and scientific curriculum through fun and engaging stories of magic and adventure.
Meanwhile, Nikki Whelan, a dedicated Dublin mother, has ventured into the world of entrepreneurship by creating Pippa Bows. Unable to find high-quality hairbands for her daughter, Whelan decided to make them herself. With the help of a team of mothers, she now offers a wide range of soft fabric bows that stretch and grow with a child’s head. These stylish accessories can be found in shops nationwide and online at littlebowpip.com.
In the realm of education, a study conducted in Ireland revealed that 67% of secondary school students expressed interest in pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths). To encourage their enthusiasm, applications for the 60th BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) are now open. This prestigious exhibition, taking place from January 10 to 13 in Dublin, showcases STEM research and innovation. Students from across the nation can submit their projects in categories such as tech, social and behavioral science, biological and ecological sciences, chemical, physical and mathematical sciences, and the new health and wellness category. More than 200 prizes are up for grabs, including the highly coveted title of BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year, worth €7,500. The winners also have the opportunity to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.
The Tozi app, Terry Deary’s Horrible History Roadshow, Pippa Bows, and the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition are all initiatives aiming to improve the lives of young people in different ways. Whether it’s ensuring their safety online, fostering a love for learning, expressing themselves through unique accessories, or encouraging their passion for science and innovation, these endeavors are making a positive impact on the lives of young individuals.
