Aditya Lolla
United States
-
Completed in
2023
EQ Hacks is proud to announce our 1st-place winner feature article on StaySafe by Aditya Lolla, an incredibly talented developer that struck gold with sibling bonds.
In today's fast-paced world, ensuring the safety of our loved ones, especially children, has become a top priority. StaySafe is an innovative mobile application designed to provide an all-in-one safety resource for youth. With real-time GPS tracking, communication features, safe routes, and valuable articles promoting safety and personal development, the app aims to empower youth while bringing peace to worried families.
Sibling concerns, safety—same thing!
The start of StaySafe stemmed from a concern for the safety of the developer's younger sibling during their walk home from the bus stop. Aditya explained how he couldn’t accompany his younger sister anymore due to a conflicting high school schedule, so he sought to create a comprehensive solution. He found these specific features to be crucial while stressing the importance of his sister’s wellbeing:
All-in-One Mobile Resource: The app makes sure to act as an umbrella. While most safety apps have scattered features, Aditya made sure to collect critical characteristics of well-established child safety apps and mixed them together..
Real-time GPS Tracking: StaySafe allows parents or guardians to monitor the location of their children in real-time, providing an added layer of security. This feature ensures that children stay on their designated routes and arrive safely at their destinations on time.
Seamless Communication: The application enables constant communication between parents and children, ensuring that they can stay connected at all times. This feature proves particularly valuable in emergency situations or when children require assistance. Children may also use this communication feature to ward off predators or other dangerous individuals by looking busy.
Safe Routes and Directions: StaySafe provides safe route recommendations, ensuring that children are directed along popular and crimeless paths. By leveraging mapping technology, the app highlights the optimal routes, minimizing potential risks and hazards.
Informative Articles: The app offers a wealth of articles focused on promoting the safety and personal development of youth. These articles cover a wide range of topics, including self-defense, online safety, and mental well-being, educating children with the knowledge necessary to navigate the world safely.
So, Aditya, how did you make the all-in-one path for child safety?
As a novice in coding and app development, the journey presented numerous challenges. Overcoming obstacles such as understanding coding terminology and creating a user-friendly interface required perseverance and dedication. The developer's commitment to learning and problem-solving led to the successful integration of various functionalities into a functional app.
“StaySafe started as a rough bullet point which me and my parents brainstormed when thinking of getting my sister a phone.”
Amidst the challenges faced, the developer takes pride in several notable achievements. The implementation of a comprehensive maps feature, offering real GPS tracking and highlighting safe walking routes, stands as a significant accomplishment. This feature ensures that children can navigate their way home or to their desired destinations securely.
Mistakes, obstacles, hurdles—they're temporary!
From programming an app to understanding the intricacies of app development, each step contributed to Aditya’s growth. EQ Hacks saw a willingness to persevere in the face of beginner challenges. Overcoming difficulties such as integrating a chat feature with APIs highlighted his adaptability and problem-solving abilities which not only set the foundation for a future career but also served as a testament to personal determination.
What’s Beyond StaySafe?
Looking ahead, the vision for StaySafe extends far beyond Aditya Lolla’s experience. The developer aspires to make StaySafe a ubiquitous presence on every child's phone, fostering safety and security in communities worldwide. With the integration of live GPS tracking and AI-powered 24/7 assistance, StaySafe has the potential to make a significant impact on youth safety, aligning with EQ Hacks advocacy for CSA and abuse awareness. Through innovative technology and a little sibling love, StaySafe aims to create a better world and protect the well-being of future generations.
When we reviewed StaySafe, we found its most compelling aspect to be its representation of Aditya’s empathy and the commitment to safeguarding the youth—especially his sister.
Check out Aditya Lolla's work here:
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