SEATTLE — In today’s tech-driven world, where social media dominates the landscape, even young children and teenagers are exposed to potential digital threats. This is why Oded Pelled and Natalia Daniel from Firsties, a new intelligent baby book and photo-sharing app, are stepping in to offer a safer alternative.
The Birth of Firsties
Frustrated by the safety concerns surrounding traditional social media, Pelled and Daniel created Firsties—a free application designed to help parents share photos securely without the worries typically associated with broader online platforms. The couple spoke with KOMO’s Hannah Knowles about their motivation.
“Parents often avoid posting photos due to privacy concerns,” the founders shared. “We wanted to address the growing anxiety about exposing children to the digital world through conventional social media channels.”
A Concerning Poll Reveals Public Sentiment
The concern isn’t limited to isolated cases; it resonates with a significant portion of the population. A recent survey conducted in Washington state found striking evidence of parental and public apprehension regarding social media platforms’ impact on children.
- A remarkable 93% of Washington voters expressed concern that social media could adversely affect children’s health and well-being.
- Half (54%) of the respondents felt that parents lack adequate tools to safeguard their children’s online safety.
- Furthermore, 79% believed that tech companies have a responsibility to enhance protection for kids and teens on the internet.
The poll underscores the significance of privacy in the digital age. As young users are increasingly frequenting social media, the risk of personal data exposure, online safety, and privacy breaches escalates. This situation compels both parents and tech companies to rethink their approach to digital engagement for children.
Enter Firsties, an innovative platform that combines the fun of sharing baby milestones and photos with enhanced security features. Unlike other social media networks, this app is built specifically with young users in mind, offering parents a controlled and secure environment to celebrate their child’s growth without compromising their safety.
By addressing these critical concerns, Firsties aims to empower parents and ensure they have the tools necessary to protect their children’s digital futures.
The findings from the Washington state survey highlight the urgent need for solutions like Firsties. As digital threats grow more sophisticated, the importance of prioritizing your child’s online well-being becomes paramount.
We encourage all parents to explore Firsties and actively participate in shaping a safer digital environment for children. Together, we can make a difference. Share your thoughts, subscribe to our updates, and spread awareness about the importance of secure digital spaces for our youth.
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