Child Safety Signals — Setup & FAQ
Child Safety Signals let families review websites a child's device visited, kept private to your Circle. No ads, no resale of data. It is designed to be privacy-first and transparent for kids and seniors.
How Child Safety Signals Work
Child Safety Signals analyze patterns in uploaded activity data (such as browser or network logs) using a multi-stage safety system:
- Signals — specific behavioral indicators (not just keywords).
- Meanings — interpreted risk patterns (e.g., grooming, coercion, distress).
- Priority Resolution — the system determines the most critical situation deterministically.
- Guidance — clear recommended actions for caregivers.
What is a CSV file? (Explained Simply)
Imagine a shopping list…
A CSV file is just a plain text file, like a long shopping list. Instead of groceries, it fits one website visit on each line.
10:00, google.com, Kid 1
10:05, youtube.com, Kid 1
Computers love this list because it is simple. You "export" (save) this list from your router or browser history, then "upload" (give) it to Child Safety Signals so we can make it look nice for you.
Child Safety Signals analyze uploaded data after you provide it — it does not monitor devices in real time.
Travel, Overseas & Out of State
"Can I use this if we travel or live apart?"
YES. The connection is 100% In-App. It uses the internet (Wi-Fi or Mobile Data) just like a video call or email.
Legal & Usage Disclaimer
"Works worldwide via Wi-Fi/Data. No SMS fees."
- Requires Internet: You need an internet connection to upload/view logs.
- Privacy First: Logs are processed securely within your Circle.
Time Zones
If you are in New York but your child is in London, we pin the facility time zone so reports are consistent (e.g. 8:00 PM their time).
Connectivity & Reliability
A note on connection quality:
Our system is always ready to receive logs, but it relies on the strength of your local Wi-Fi or mobile data "bridge". App performance depends on your device having an active, stable connection.
Disclaimer: We cannot be responsible for delays, interruptions, or lost data caused by weak signals, provider outages, or devices being offline.
Who should use Child Safety Signals?
- Adult children supporting a senior parent who lives alone.
- Parents helping a teen or young adult build healthy, safer screen habits.
- Power of Attorney (POA) or health proxy who needs gentle safety signals, not full surveillance.
Where (and how) do I get the CSV?
Option A: From the Browser
Easiest for a single laptop or computer.
- Open Chrome or Edge on your child's computer.
- Install a free extension like "Export Chrome History".
- Click the extension icon and choose "Export to CSV".
- It will save a file (like
history.csv) to the Downloads folder. - Upload that file here!
Option B: From your Router
Best for catching all devices (phones, tablets).
- Log into your Router/WiFi dashboard (often an app like Eero, Nest, Netgear).
- Look for "Activity", "Logs", or "Parental Controls".
- Find a button that says "Export Logs" or "Download History".
- Choose "CSV" format if asked.
- Upload that file here!
* Note: Every router is different. Google "How to export logs from [Your Router Name]" if you get stuck.
The Signals We Monitor
Some signals require multiple indicators before escalation to avoid false alarms.
A. Exploitation / Grooming Signals
- Asking a child's age
- Encouraging secrecy ("don't tell anyone")
- Moving conversation to private apps
- Repeated pressure to respond
B. Coercion / Sextortion Signals
- Threats to expose images or messages
- Demands for money, gift cards, or payments
C. Harmful Influence Signals
- Recruitment into gangs or violent groups
D. Mental Health & Crisis Signals
- Expressions of worthlessness or isolation
- Self-harm behavior or language
- Suicide intent or planning
- Goodbye-type messages
What Child Safety Signals Detect
The system evaluates all signals together and determines the most important situation using a strict priority system.
When multiple concerns are detected, Child Safety Signals always prioritize the most serious situation using a consistent and predictable system. Meanings detected include:
- Immediate safety risk (self-harm or suicide)
- High-risk exploitation or coercion
- Grooming or secrecy patterns
- Platform migration (moving off monitored platforms)
- Emotional distress escalation
Recommendation Guidance
Child Safety Signals do not take action automatically — it provides guidance. You remain in control of decisions.
| System Level | Guidance for Caregiver |
|---|---|
| ESC_IMMEDIATE_SAFETY_INTERVENTION | Immediate safety concern — act now |
| ESC_IMMEDIATE_INTERVENTION | Urgent risk — intervene immediately |
| ESC_ESCALATE_TO_GUARDIAN_URGENT | High concern — contact caregiver urgently |
| ESC_ESCALATE_TO_GUARDIAN | Review with caregiver |
| ESC_MONITOR_CLOSELY | Watch closely for changes |
| ESC_MONITOR_WITH_SUPPORT | Provide emotional support and monitor |
| ESC_DOCUMENT_AND_OBSERVE | Track and observe patterns |
How do Child Safety Signals help me respond?
If Child Safety Signals flag something, you are never expected to handle it alone. The system provides clear, safe next steps based on established child safety and mental health guidance.
The system provides guidance, not decisions. It does not replace your judgment, but it equips you with evidence-based frameworks to help your child safely.
Example: Suicide or Self-Harm Risk
- Guides you to speak directly and ask about suicide (which clinical evidence shows is safer than avoiding the topic).
- Instructs you to stay with the child and not promise secrecy.
- Provides clear escalation steps (e.g., calling 988 or visiting an ER).
Example: Grooming or Sextortion
- Reassures you how to approach the child without blame or shame.
- Instructs you to preserve evidence (e.g., screenshots) before blocking the offender.
- Advises against directly contacting the perpetrator.
What Child Safety Signals Do NOT Do
- Does not read private messages outside permitted sources
- Does not guess identity
- Does not act without caregiver awareness
- Does not rely on a single keyword or phrase
Privacy & safety tips
- Be transparent: tell kids you're using Child Safety Signals and why (safety & learning).
- Collect the minimum you need and delete old logs on a schedule.
- Parents control the data in your Circle. No advertising or resale.
- School devices / networks: follow school policies if logs come from there.
Troubleshooting
- Nothing shows: check the CSV format and try a smaller sample first.
- Wrong device: verify you used the right phone number or IP for that child.
- Large files: split into smaller CSVs (for example, by month) and upload in parts.
Where can I get help?
If you’re not sure which option to choose, start a support request from the Help → Contact Support link in your Admin dashboard. We’ll walk you through it step-by-step.