Students Neva Bertram and Iris Gallagher interviewing Kelsey Brown from the Office of the Children’s Commissioner to research their app, G.I.R.L.S. Photo: Supplied
Two Dunedin girls have made the finals in this year's Next Tech Girl Superhero Competition.
Eleven-year-old Neva Bertram and ten-year-old Iris Gallagher developed an app called GIRLS – Girls in Real Life Situations – a portal for advice and support for girls on issues such as bullying, divorce, friends and money.
Many so-called digital natives are consuming technology unaware of the opportunities it offers for-problem solving, says Philippa Dick from Hatch Education, who supported the girls with developing of the app.
Neva and Iris first met while working on the project and bonded over the idea of making something that could support girls going through bullying.
Each section of the GIRLS app links to a website where you can find help advice on that topic.
Being bullied isn't a great experience, Iris says.
"I'm hoping if people do use the app it will help them if they are going through that sort of thing."
Neva says it would have been helpful for her to talk to someone about her experience.
"Girls are dealing with these issues and there's nowhere for them to go."
Neva and Iris worked with a psychologist who recommended websites they could link to in the app and also suggested they include a quiz so people can get information in a more fun way.
Next up for the girls is an interview with the CEO of Tech Girls Are Superheroes about translating GIRLS into a business concept.
Iris likes the idea of making a career out of this.
"It would be cool, and it would be nice to know that I was making a difference."
"It would be great to be an app-maker and help people." Neva adds.
