Brother & Sister, Charlie & Hannah Launched NotOK App For Kids Struggling With Their Mental Health
Updated: Feb 28, 2022
With the advances in technology, the internet and social media are at our children’s fingertips. In fact, teenagers spend nearly nine hours per day consuming media and tweens spend close to six hours per day, according to an article by the Washington Post.
Social media provides the opportunities to make new friends, stay in touch with old friends and abreast on current events. On the other hand, research has shown that increased time spent on a cell phone, tablet or computer contribute to symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts among teenagers, especially girls, according to the Journal Clinical Psychological Science. And with the recent stories of children dying by suicide such as Ashwanty Davis and Imani McCray (8) and its connection to cyber-bullying and/or social media, parents and guardians are looking for ways to keep their children safe.
The notOK app could be the answer that parents and guardians have been waiting for. It provides your child with help when they do not know the right words to express their emotions. If your child is stressed, depressed, loneliness or struggling with anxiety, help is at their fingertips by simply pressing one button. To program the app on your child’s phone, register five trusted contacts and the app will alert the individuals that they have been listed as a trusted contact.
Created by brother and sister, Charlie and Hannah Lucas saw the need to design the notOk app. Hannah was diagnosed with POTS, a medical condition that often causes her to faint. Because of POTS, she battled with depression, anxiety and self-harm. After watching his older sister struggle with her health, Charlie (also referred as “tech support in his family”) had no idea how to help his sister. When Hannah presented the idea for notOK app to Charlie he was excited to help.
The notOk app is available on Apple and Android devices.
Listen to Hannah and Charlie’s interview during the mind, body and soulness segment on the Fireflies Unite Podcast With Kea on Monday, March 26, 2018