Social network for kids launches in Singapore
A child-friendly social network has launched in Singapore.
Called GeckoLife, the pre-teens platform enables parents to oversee all the contacts and posts their child makes and has access to.
The site is centred around what it calls ‘safe spaces’ or ‘canvases’, within which members can tailor discussions around their interests. This, the site says, “removes the clutter of an unfiltered newsfeed” and allows members to focus on what they are interested in. Within each space, members can chat and share images and files.
A GeckoLife spokesman told Mumbrella that while there are no plans to run advertising on the site, brands will be able sponsor a relevant topic-specific canvas, for instance Nike could create a canvas on sport.
GeckoLife was founded by Rajeev Gupta and Ashish Trivedi, who were driven by the need to create a social network for kids as concerned parents.
“We are aware of the impact of digital footprints and the knowledge gap that children today face,” said Gupta, who is co-CEO. “We aim to fill a niche in the social market, offering a private, family-friendly option that introduces children to the benefits of online communities and opens doors to conversations around online responsibility and smart social networking.”
GeckoLife has plans to grow from Singapore into other markets in the region, while it works on improving its product offering.
The company received angel investor funding of more than $1 million last year, and says it “welcomes conversations” with interested investors and “any parties keen on collaboration”.
GeckoLife is headquartered in Singapore and has offices in Australia, India and the US.
Really interesting App. Really needed with all the rubbish available on existing platforms
ReplyI have kids and I am worried – need something like this, finally
ReplyNot convinced.
Why do kids need a social network? Do we need to increase the amount of time that they spend on computers and will do in the future? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a ludite but surely there is enough to keep them occupied online from Disney type content for younger children right the way through to mine-craft and video games and then “grown up” social networks.
Surely at younger ages we should use this time to encourage children to actually interact and learn social skills, especially in some markets like Singapore where there are enough social and integration challenges because kids are studying so hard they don’t have “play time” with other kids.
As for having brands “sponsor” pieces of the site – not convinced I want that as a parent. In fact, I know I don’t. My kids are already exposed to so many commercial messages through other channels and I like the fact that there are restrictions of some types of advertising (fast food etc). How does the site propose to handle those areas?
Even ignoring those areas that are banned/restricted etc through other channels, using their example, the idea of Nike sponsoring sports content my kids want to see just doesn’t enthuse me…
ReplyHave your say