Tozi is a new app, created by the Vodafone Foundation in partnership with DCU Anti-Bullying Centre and Childline by ISPCC, designed to empower young people to navigate the online world in safe and positive way.
Teenagers are spending around 3.4 hours a day online. This app aims to equip them with research backed learning and resources to help look after themselves when online, including access to live help through Childline should they experience bullying or witness something that upsets them while online.
The app aims to educate, empower and support young people with the tools and advice they need to have a more positive online experience delivered through engaging features within the app:
Cosmos: A content library with stories, tips, and advice on how to handle common online/cyberbullying scenarios, eg, account hacks, ghosting, trolling, grieving and self-esteem.
Live Help: Ability to call or chat with Childline by ISPCC directly.
My Space: A private journaling area, with a gamified diary and feelings-tracker.
A recent survey by DCU’s Anti-Bullying Centre found 45% of teenagers witnessed some kind of mistreatment online. A UNESCO Behind the Numbers report found that cyberbullying affects as many as one in 10 children. Tozi is intended to meet teenagers and young people where they hang out – online - and offer them the resources and tools they need to build more positive digital spaces for themselves and their peers.
“The Tozi app is an extremely welcome development, one that will greatly improve the digital experience of children and young people. Online safety is a key policy issue for us at Childline by ISPCC and we know first-hand the impact it can have on children’s mental health and wellbeing. The link through Tozi to the Childline 24/7 listening service which is staffed by dedicated volunteers offers an essential support to children and young people. We are very grateful to be involved with the Vodafone Foundation and DCU’s Anti-Bullying Centre on this important resource,” John Church, ISPCC CEO, said.
Tozi was developed as part of Vodafone Foundation Apps Against Abuse programme, which is a suite of apps designed to enable more people to live a life free from abuse. So far, the programme has used technology to connect over 2.4 million people affected by domestic violence, abuse and hate crime to advice, support and education.
The app available 24 hours a day and is free to download on iOS and Android in Ireland.
