Creating a safer online environment for kids might be as simple as giving them their own spaces to hang out. Like… virtual Chuck E. Cheeses! And while there are a bunch of kid-friendly sites out there (even oodles of apps aiming to teach young ones how to code their own online anything) what we need are more destinations that mimic what we all want out of our surftime. Think: Safe social networking, easy entertainment and channels full of fun, shareable content. How about a way for kids to get their (age-appropriate) viral video fix even? All might be attainable in the future — there’s apparently a “YouTube For Kids” in the works.
Google (YT’s parent — see, kids, even huge websites have ‘rents!) is reportedly developing an online video sharing platform geared to a much younger demo. They’ve even been reaching out to content creators for family-friendly programming for the single digit set.
YouTube currently does have parental controls, although those are limited and (if we remember being kids at all… who were less savvy than these kids) probably pretty easy to work around. Also, (again, if we remember correctly) it’s better to give kids their own thing as opposed to restricting what is available.
A move like this would open up a whole new world of unique content. So beyond just YouTube, it might look more like Netflix-and-Hulu-Too-For-Tykes. Orange is the New Black would be an entire show of adorable aliens learning colors. House of Cards, a channel of magic trick tutorials. We vote that Lennon and Maisy get their own YT4K (YouTube 4 Kids) Star Search. No confirmation yet, but we assume there will still be loads of cat vids.
Also, let’s not forget that, YouTube For Kids = YouTube For Parents’ Peace of Mind. Who can hate that?
Do you let your kids roam YouTube freely? What is your experience with parental controls like? What family-friendly online programming do you already let your kids watch? Share below!
(h/t: tubefilter)
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.