Many people argue that technology creates anxiety in children but it can also be a lifeline to a child with anxiety. With social media comes bullying, constant worries about what everyone else is doing or what they think of you. That certainly can create anxiety in anyone. However, using technology to help children stay connected with trusted people in their lives can be the difference between a child giving into their anxieties and escaping school, or successfully getting through the school day.
Our “The Silent Voice” bands were created in order to give children with anxiety a discrete way of connecting with trusted people like a teacher in class. We are working on an application for mobile devices like phones and apple watches, where a child can simply press a button in the application and teachers, counselors, parents or another trusted adult is alerted that the child needs help. I can’t tell you how many times I was in class and was able to alert a teacher that I needed to leave the class but then I had to find a guidance counselor or telephone my parents. The challenge with this technology is the prohibition of phones in the classroom. That’s why we are also focusing on an application for the Apple Watch. Imagine a child with anxiety simply tapping their Apple Watch and an alert is made. No words necessary.
We are constantly trying to come up with new ways of helping children with anxiety. If you have an idea to share, please feel free to contact us.