Development of a Safe Social Media Application for Kids

ABSTRACT
These days, the extensive use of social media by children has raised significant concerns regarding online safety, exposure to harmful content, and emotional well-being. Despite age restrictions, many children still access mainstream platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, which are not designed with their developmental needs or safety in mind. This project addresses these concerns by designing and developing a child-focused social media application that prioritizes security, simplicity, and age-appropriate engagement. The system was developed using the Iterative Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology, which allowed for continuous refinement through a repeated cycle of requirement gathering, system design, prototyping, testing, and evaluation. The application, built using React Native for the frontend, Node.js and Express for the backend, and MongoDB for data storage, incorporates essential features such as secure user authentication, NIN verification, post creation with images, and basic content moderation tools. The interface was carefully designed to be intuitive and visually appealing to children, with limited text and clear navigation. Throughout development, special emphasis was placed on user safety and parental involvement. Features such as role-based access control, JWT-based authentication, and password encryption were implemented to enhance security. Usability testing and stakeholder feedback informed the iterative refinement of the application, ensuring it meets the needs of both children and supervising adults. The project's outcome is a functional prototype that demonstrates the feasibility of creating a safer alternative to conventional social media platforms for children. The system lays the groundwork for future enhancements, including advanced parental controls, AI-driven content filtering. This project contributes a practical solution to a growing digital safety challenge and opens pathways for future research and development in the field of child-centered technology.