Is there such a thing as safe social media for kids? If so, what does it actually take to build it?
This week, Melissa and Esther are joined by Leah Ringelstein, co-founder and CEO of Zigazoo, the kid-safe social media app designed to help children create mindfully instead of scroll. Before launching Zigazoo, Leah taught in Phoenix, Tanzania, and the Bronx, experiences that shaped her vision for a healthier online space for kids.
Leah shares how Zigazoo moderates every video before it reaches the feed, how the platform encourages kids to lead with positivity, and how its moderation system uses a detailed behaviour matrix to flag everything from inappropriate language to subtle sarcasm.
Beyond the inner workings of the app, the conversation explores the stigma parents face when letting kids use social media, and how platforms like Zigazoo can serve as a \"practice playground\" for building a healthier relationship with it. Leah explains how the app fosters digital citizenship and creativity instead of endless consumption, using positive role models to inspire kindness and empathy in young creators.
If you're wondering how to keep kids safe online, what healthy social media for kids could look like, or whether there really is a better alternative to TikTok and other platforms for children, this episode is for you.
Learn more about Zigazoo;
https://www.zigazoo.com/
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