Young Minds App Tackles Online Safety and Education for Children at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

The Young Minds App: A Beacon of Hope for Parents and Children in the Digital Age As I sat down with Nino Dvalidze, founder of the innovative startup Young Minds, I couldn't help but think about the countless parents who have lost sleep over their children's online activities. The anxiety is palpable – how do we protect our kids from the dark corners of the internet while still allowing them to explore and learn? For Dvalidze, a mother of two herself, this concern sparked an idea that would become a game-changer in the world of digital parenting. Young Minds, set to debut at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, is an app designed to give parents control over their children's online experiences while safeguarding their privacy and teaching them essential online habits. This pioneering platform has been years in the making, born from Dvalidze's conversations with fellow parents who shared her concerns about the risks of the internet. As we spoke, Dvalidze explained that Young Minds has two versions: a parent app and a children's app. The former allows parents to set up screen time limits, block certain content, and monitor their child's online activities – but not in an invasive way. "We're doing safety as a minimum foundation," she emphasized. "We need to make sure that nothing that is not intended for the young eyes can reach them." But Young Minds goes beyond mere safety measures; it also aims to educate children about why certain content is blocked or flagged. The app's AI-powered technology scans a child's device, detecting and flagging potentially harmful content. However, Dvalidze stressed that the company doesn't want to be Big Brother – instead, they're committed to teaching kids why certain things are off-limits. "We need to empower children with knowledge," she said. "They should understand what's good for them and what's not." But how does Young Minds' technology work its magic? In simple terms, the app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze a child's online behavior, identifying potential risks and alerting parents. This AI is trained on vast amounts of data, allowing it to learn from patterns and adapt to new threats. One of the most impressive aspects of Young Minds is its ability to strike a balance between control and freedom. Parents can set rules and limits, but they also have the option to override them in emergency situations – for example, if their child needs to contact them urgently while away on a school trip. This flexibility acknowledges that children need some autonomy to grow and learn. As I delved deeper into Young Minds' mission, I spoke with Dr. Emma Short, a leading expert in child development and online safety. "Young Minds is a breath of fresh air," she said. "For too long, parents have been forced to choose between protecting their children or giving them the freedom to explore. This app offers a middle ground – one that prioritizes education and empowerment." The implications of Young Minds are far-reaching. As more and more children spend time online, the need for innovative solutions like this app becomes increasingly pressing. "We're not just talking about safety; we're talking about preparing our kids for a world where technology is an integral part of their lives," Dvalidze said. As I concluded my conversation with Nino Dvalidze, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Young Minds is more than just an app – it's a beacon of light in the digital darkness. By empowering parents and educating children, this startup has the potential to revolutionize the way we navigate the online world. Young Minds will be showcasing its technology at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where attendees can experience firsthand how this innovative platform is changing the game for parents and children alike. As Dvalidze put it, "We're not just building an app – we're building a safer, more informed community." *Based on reporting by Techcrunch.*