Protecting Kids in the Digital Age: A Conversation with Rena Maycock of Chirp
In this episode of What Makes You Tick, we spoke with Rena Maycock, founder and CEO of Chirp, a technology designed to help parents protect children from cyberbullying and online grooming.
Rena’s path into tech was unconventional. After a career in radio sales and matchmaking, parenthood inspired her to address online child protection. She noticed a gap: existing parental controls didn’t address direct threats like cyberbullying and grooming, especially in encrypted apps.
Chirp stands apart by operating at the kernel level of smartphones, requiring deep integration by manufacturers and telcos. This allows Chirp to monitor and intervene in harmful communication even across encrypted platforms without breaking encryption or invading privacy. Parents are notified in real time about attempts at cyberbullying, grooming, or even self-harm, but children are actively involved in the process, fostering a collaborative approach and reducing the risk of pushing kids towards secretive internet use.
Developing Chirp has been anything but easy. Rena spoke candidly about the massive technical, regulatory, and funding challenges involved, as well as the personal toll of entrepreneurship. Yet her relentless commitment to ethical, privacy-focused design is clear. She’s assembled a diverse, mission-driven team and successfully raised funds, including public grants and an upcoming crowdfunding campaign.
The conversation wasn’t just about technology; it also delved into the psychological side of both child protection and entrepreneurship. Rena detailed the emotional stories that drive her work and the importance of resilience, tenacity, and having a trusted peer network. Her key message: There’s always a way.
With Chirp on the brink of international rollout through major telcos and handset manufacturers, Rena’s mission is more urgent and achievable than ever.
Learn More and Get Involved
– Chirp: https://chirpfamily.com
– Contact Rena directly by email at info@chirpfamily.com
– To invest in or support Chirp, visit here link
If you work in telco, handset manufacturing, or policy, or want to help make the internet safer for kids, please reach out to Rena today.
Host: Stephen Bradshaw of What Makes You Tick
Guest: Rena Maycock, CEO & Founder of Chirp
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