Young Minds App - Protecting Kids Online | TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Introducing Young Minds: Empowering Parents and Protecting Children Online

A new application, Young Minds, aims to provide parents with the tools necessary to manage their children’s internet usage. This is achieved while simultaneously safeguarding their children’s privacy and fostering responsible digital citizenship.

The Genesis of Young Minds

The startup was founded by Nino Dvalidze, a UK-based entrepreneur and mother of two. Dvalidze shared with TechCrunch that the concept for Young Minds arose from discussions with other parents. These conversations highlighted shared concerns regarding child safety online, alongside the recognition of the internet’s benefits for education, exploration, and social connection.

She acknowledged the internet’s significant role in expanding horizons and facilitating communication beyond immediate social circles.

App Functionality: A Two-Pronged Approach

Young Minds operates through two distinct applications: one designed for parents and another for children. The parent app provides a degree of oversight and control over the child’s app, enabling features such as screen time limitations and content filtering.

Importantly, the app does not facilitate comprehensive monitoring of all communications on a child’s device.

The team will be showcasing Young Minds at Startup Battlefield during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27 to 29 in San Francisco.

Prioritizing Safety and Education

“Our primary focus is safety,” Dvalidze stated. “We are committed to preventing access to inappropriate content for young users.”

However, the application extends beyond simple blocking. It is also designed to educate children about the reasons behind content restrictions and the potential risks associated with certain online materials.

The app utilizes AI to scan a child’s device usage, identifying and flagging potentially harmful content. Notably, the company maintains a strict policy of not storing any user data.

An in-app chatbot is available to assist parents in understanding the risks associated with specific websites or applications.

Platform Availability and iOS Considerations

Young Minds is currently available for Android devices. The iOS version is scheduled for release next week.

Dvalidze noted that the iOS version differs slightly due to restrictions on data access imposed by Apple’s operating system, though they have implemented “workarounds” to maintain functionality.

“We analyze information with parental consent as a solution on iOS,” she explained.

Customizable Controls for Balanced Usage

Regarding screen time management, Young Minds allows for the creation of customized routines and modes.

• “Study mode” restricts access to educational applications like Duolingo.
• “Wind down mode” limits apps and usage that could disrupt sleep.

Parents can tailor these modes to suit their individual family needs and preferences.

Interested in learning more about Young Minds directly from Dvalidze and the team? Join us at Disrupt, October 27 to 29 in San Francisco, to discover this and many other innovative startups, hear compelling pitches, and engage with industry leaders across four stages. Learn more here.