Tozi: New App Launches Aimed at Creating a Safer, More Positive Online Space for Young People

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, and 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 e.g., 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. UNESCO’s Behind the Numbers report found that cyberbullying affects as many as one in ten 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.

Director of the DCU Anti-Bullying Centre and UNESCO Chair on Bullying and Cyberbullying, Prof James O’Higgins Norman, said: “Our team worked with young people to co-design Tozi, a unique resource that we hope will create an environment that supports young people and their well-being online. We look forward to seeing the results of its use and to studying new interventions that will help children and young people stay safe online.”

John Church, ISPCC CEO, said “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.”

Liz Roche, Head of The Vodafone Ireland Foundation, said: ‘’We are delighted to partner with DCU Anti-Bullying Centre and ISPCC Childline to deliver Tozi. Growing up can throw up a myriad of social obstacles, which can be tough to navigate, especially as teenagers and young people are spending more time online. Tozi is designed to help young people explore their feelings while equipping them with information and advice they can trust to navigate the online world.’’

Tozi was developed as part of the 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 is available 24 hours a day and is free to download on iOS and Android in Ireland.

iOS link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tozi/id6444163877

Android link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.toziapp&pli=1