Young Entrepreneur Develops Built-In Monitoring Technology to Protect Children Online

Colorado Father-Son Duo Aims to Reinvent Parental Control Software

A 20-year-old entrepreneur from Colorado Springs has introduced a new approach to parental monitoring software, addressing the growing concerns of online safety for children. Luke Nielsen, alongside his father, an experienced software engineer, has created “Screen Pigeon”—a hardware-based solution designed to prevent children from disabling monitoring tools.

Their innovation comes at a time when digital risks are becoming increasingly prevalent. A recent study by Georgia State University estimates that 1 in 12 children are exposed to online exploitation and abuse, highlighting the need for effective digital supervision.

Addressing the Flaws in Traditional Monitoring Apps

Nielsen, reflecting on his own childhood experiences with the internet, realized that existing parental control apps were insufficient. “The internet had just been created, so it was really a new problem, and parents were trying to figure out how to do it,” he said.

While many monitoring applications are available, most can be easily uninstalled or bypassed by tech-savvy children. This gap in security prompted Nielsen and his father to develop a more robust system that integrates directly into the hardware. “If we attack this at a hardware level and actually make custom computers with the monitoring built in, we can create an effective solution that truly protects kids,” Nielsen explained.

parental-monitoring-software-laptop

How Screen Pigeon Works

Unlike traditional software-based solutions, Screen Pigeon operates at the hardware level, meaning it cannot be removed or deactivated by the user. The monitoring is embedded within the computer itself, ensuring consistent oversight.

Here’s how the system functions:

  • Parents order a Screen Pigeon laptop, which arrives pre-configured with monitoring software.
  • The computer automatically captures a screenshot at a random point every minute.
  • Screenshots are securely stored and accessible to parents through an online dashboard.

Nielsen emphasized that while the software does not restrict access to specific websites or flag content, it provides parents with real-time visibility into their child’s online activities. “They’ll actually be safer online if they know their parents are in it with them,” he noted.

A Growing Concern in Digital Parenting

The launch of Screen Pigeon coincides with rising concerns over child safety online. Social media platforms, gaming communities, and various websites continue to pose risks of exposure to inappropriate content and potential exploitation.

To illustrate the severity of the issue, recent data shows:

Statistic Source
1 in 12 children face online exploitation Georgia State University
30% of children have attempted to hide their online activity Common Sense Media
60% of parents worry about their child’s internet safety Pew Research Center

By integrating monitoring at a fundamental level, Nielsen believes his technology can provide a level of security that software alone cannot match.

Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans

Currently, Screen Pigeon is available exclusively as a custom-built laptop. However, Nielsen has ambitious plans to expand the technology to other devices. “We’re looking into making the software available for phones, tablets, and potentially integrating with existing operating systems,” he shared.

For now, parents seeking to enhance their child’s digital safety can visit ScreenPigeon.io to learn more about the product.

Additionally, anyone concerned about online child exploitation can report incidents to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

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