Andy Smith, CEO of iChat Global Network Launches First of Its Kind Safe Social Media App for Kids, iChat 4Kidz app
Written by Heide Dangelo
Andy Smith. Smith is currently one of the highest sought-after Branding & Marketing Agents in the country. His love for excellence has granted him access to notable platforms and opportunities not only in the Christian Community but also the Global Marketplace. Andy is the CEO of iChat Global Network. He tells Influential People Magazine why his Social Media App is the first of its kind to keep kids safe.
In a time where social media is one of the leading voices in our lives, there is always an opportunity to live in the future! iChat Global Network is the next largest Social Media App that will focus on the traditions of family, the protection of our children, and engagement into the future! “We have implemented a 2-factor authorization for parents to monitor the profiles of their children!” “This means the opportunity for predators and bullies to engage your children has been blocked! The protection of our babies is our top priority. The world is changing right before our eyes. We’ve seen mass distraction with the addition of destruction in our world. In a day where social media is 85% of the consumption of our day, it is vitally important that we align with the times. We are proud to announce that we have developed a tool of engagement that will not only serve as an advancement for our children but also a form of protection from bullying, predators, and our negatives influences that plague the environments of our children.”- Andy Smith
Andy is also the CEO of Andy Smith Global Enterprises. (ASGE) Under this global entity, he oversees three global magazines, I-Worship Magazine, Woman Arise Magazine, and iCreate Magazine, three Global Newspapers, I-Connect Newspaper, Bastrop Community Voice, and Winnsboro Connect Newspaper, and a Branding & Marketing Firm for entrepreneurs Andy Smith Creative Media Group. Smith is a man of vision and believes strongly everyone has the potential to change the course of their future.
Jules: Share your background.
Andy: Well, growing up I’ve always been a technology geek. I’ve always had a love for electronics and active devices. Over the years as we know, social media has been a driving force in the world but also for some a place of danger, specifically our children! I was raised by a single parent in a public housing neighborhood. We didn’t have the best of everything, but my mom made what we had felt like Rodeo Drive, lol. So, growing up I was always told that I was different. I wasn’t the perfect child, but I was different. I was expelled from High School in the 9th grade because of my behavior. I never thought about a school again. I went on with my life and developed a passion to express my creativity in other outlets. I discovered I had an enterprising spirit, a gift for speaking, and a genuine interest in building authentic connections both in person and on social media. It was at that moment that I began to move quickly on the visions and innovative ideas I received. I begin watching how people interacted with each other, some positive and some not so positive. So as time grew, I begin to see my passion grow in the areas of public awareness.
I’ve watched the social build up some people and tear others down, but the biggest concern of it all was knowing that people that had evil motives were out there approaching our children through inappropriate pictures and vile messages. This is where the desire to launch iChat Global and iChat 4 Kidz came from. It was launched to provide a socially moral platform coupled with safety and compassion as the leading factors.
Jules: Tell us about the iChat Global Network’s tagline.
Andy: The tagline A World of Our Own became our slogan because social media users have often described their disdain with the lack of safety measures on common social sites. I have nieces and nephews that I care about deeply and I am protective over them both physically and virtually. With that being said, I empathize with parents everywhere that want the opportunity to ease their child into this vast world that we live in and not be robbed of opportunities to have heartfelt conversations about life, love, and people. As I’ve done market research, the general consensus is this: I realized parents don’t want their children exposed to anything that would prematurely rob them of their innocence. The essence of childhood growth and development needs to be regarded as sacred between a parent and a child. Media outlets should not be able to freely influence the minds of impressionable young children without input from parents and caregivers. This is how the slogan, A World of Our Own, was chartered into a movement advocating for the mental health and safety of our most vulnerable population, children.
Jules: The iChat 4Kidz app is all about safety. Explain the 2-factor authentication.
Andy: The two-factor authentication is a security measure in which the parent/caretaker must be notified that the child is attempting to use the app. More specifically, it allows parents to have sole control over their children’s accounts.
Secondly, we offer a time-based login which also allows parents to log their children out of the app. We offer two logins for iChat Global Network, one for adults and one for kids. Our subscribers will also be able to create their own customized profiles, and personal posts with pictures, videos, and content upload much like our competitors.
Jules: Take us through the app.
Andy: The app is user-friendly. It has a very easy login process in addition to an exciting surprise on every login screen for the kids. It’s guaranteed to be engaging, exciting, and educational for its duration. We have two worlds operating in iChat. We have iChat for adults which is for 18 and up and the kidz version which is for ages 4-16.
I’ve watched the social build up some people and tear others down, but the biggest concern of it all was knowing that people that had evil motives were out there approaching our children through inappropriate pictures and vile messages. This is where the desire to launch iChat Global and iChat 4 Kidz came from. It was launched to provide a socially moral platform coupled with safety and compassion as the leading factors.
Jules: What makes this app fun and interactive for kids?
Andy: Most social media apps are tailored to the adult or even the teen as the ideal client. Rarely have we seen toddlers and school agers as top of mind when building a social marketing app. That’s what sets us apart. To answer your question, this experience will be fun because they can play, learn, and connect with their real-life friends or meet like-minded children their age all over the world. Irrespective of the life transitions the child may face they will still be able to access their childhood friends and grow up together, maybe not in physical proximity, but they can virtually.
Jules: What does the #KidzChatRoom look like?
Andy: The #kidzchatroom affectionately known as “CIRCLE OF FRIENDS” is a space, perfectly curated for the iChat user’s personal friends. The process is highly monitored. To access it security credentials must be entered. Verification codes are sent to the parent(s) before this process is even facilitated. The Circle of Friends is the tool that takes the place of a private messenger which will further allow our team as well as parents to securely monitor the protection and freedom of our children.
Jules: Through your experiences, how important are authentic relationships?
Andy: Relationships are critical for life successes. I consider myself transparent and authentic. I’ve been open about my successes as well as my public setbacks. What I’ve found is that people are still fascinated and enamored with stories of a person’s rise to prominence and affluence. This started for me on social media sites. I’ve been transparent and vocal about my brand story and consequently, I’ve grown my platforms to the thousands because I’m authentic, personable, and open. If I were too ashamed of my life lessons, I wouldn’t have the strong, supportive, base of loyal dedicated followers to my businesses and brands. Authenticity is the key to success from my experience. Relationships open doors that those with advanced credentials don’t have access to. Being disingenuous, fake, and socially inept at this level will get you excluded out of certain affluent social circles. It’s important to embrace a lifestyle of learning, growing, and diversifying your social skills. If you want to be successful you need to know how to master small talk. Many doors have opened just by having authentic real conversations.
Jules: Tell us about The Andy Smith Wellness Initiative.
Andy: Andy Smith Wellness Initiative is a Non-Profit Organization that focuses on the safety and wellness of our children and teens. Through this program we will assist in the dismantling of the risk factors that lead to bullying and suicide. The ASWI is dedicated to protecting, educating, and rescuing our youth. ASWI will be a bridge of hope for the lost and a place of safety for those who feel as if they have no one to turn to. This initiative will be administered through all school systems with a special emphasis on holidays where most children with no family especially in juvenile detention centers really don’t have family.
Jules: What is your vision for iChat Global Network?
Andy: My vision for iChat can be described by two words: global expansion. I really want to keep precisely and strategically alive the traditional levels of social networking. We are pushing this directive on US soil for the moment and in the upcoming days launch into our international brand presence. However, once I feel that we’ve successfully expanded our reach my vision includes growing our international base to be a top social media app that revolutionizes how we communicate forever. If we don’t prepare for the future, who will?
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