Young Minds App Launches at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 to Empower Parents and Educate Kids Online

An app called Young Minds aims to help parents safeguard their children’s online experiences while fostering digital literacy and responsible internet use. The startup, founded by Nino Dvalidze, a mother of two from the United Kingdom and an entrepreneur, was born out of conversations with other parents concerned about balancing safety with the benefits of online access. Dvalidze emphasized that the internet is invaluable for education, exploration, and connecting with people beyond a child’s immediate circle. Young Minds will showcase its technology at Startup Battlefield during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27 to 29 in San Francisco. The platform operates through two apps: one for parents and one for children. The parent app provides tools to set screen time limits, block inappropriate content, and customize usage routines—but crucially, it does not allow full monitoring of a child’s messages or private communications. “We’re doing safety as a minimum foundation,” Dvalidze said in a phone interview. “We need to make sure that nothing that is not intended for young eyes can reach them.” The app uses AI to scan a child’s device activity in real time, identifying and flagging potentially harmful content. However, Young Minds does not store any personal user data, reinforcing its commitment to privacy. Beyond protection, the app is designed to teach children why certain content is restricted. When something is flagged, the app provides age-appropriate explanations to help kids understand the risks behind certain websites or behaviors. Parents can also use an in-app chatbot to learn more about online dangers, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or data privacy issues. Currently available on Android, the iOS version is set to launch next week. Due to Apple’s stricter privacy policies and limitations on cross-app data access, the iOS version uses alternative methods to function effectively. Dvalidze explained that the company collects minimal data only with explicit parent consent and analyzes it locally to maintain privacy. The app offers customizable modes to support healthy digital habits. For example, “study mode” allows access only to educational apps like Duolingo, while “wind down mode” restricts screen use and non-essential apps before bedtime to support better sleep hygiene. Parents can tailor these settings to suit their family’s needs. Young Minds is not just about control—it’s about building awareness and responsibility. By combining safety, education, and privacy, the app aims to empower both children and parents in the digital world. Those interested in learning more about the app, meeting its founder, and exploring innovations from dozens of other startups can attend TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco.