Keeping Kids Safe with Patch
Your child's safety is our top priority. Patch is a carefully designed, AI-powered guide created with input from educators, psychologists, and development specialists.
What Patch Is
- An AI-based mentor for kids 6 and up (under 13 must use parent's account)
- Helps kids build confidence and life skills
- Teaches organization, focus, and emotional regulation
- Supports neurodiverse learners in a respectful way
What Patch Is Not
- Not a therapist or mental health professional
- Not a chatbot friend or human companion
- Cannot replace parental judgment or professional support
- Not a crisis response tool
Built-in Guardrails to Protect Your Child
We've implemented multiple safety layers to prevent Patch from discussing inappropriate or harmful topics.
Topic Filtering & Moderation
Patch is trained not to discuss inappropriate topics including suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, sexual content, abuse, violence, substance use, bullying, or hate speech.
Crisis Response Protocol
If a child discusses thoughts of self-harm, abuse, or feeling unsafe, Patch responds with pre-scripted, emotionally safe messages and directs them to trusted adults or crisis helplines like 988.
AI Model Controls
Patch is purpose-built for structured, skill-based support focused on our six-week curriculum. It doesn't learn or expand into new topics on its own, keeping conversations focused and safe.
Example: How Patch Responds to Crisis Topics
"I'm really sorry you're feeling that way. I'm here to help with skills and tools, but I can't handle emergencies. Please talk to a trusted adult, counselor, or call/text a help line like 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)."
These responses are never generated on the fly — they are tightly controlled and pre-scripted.
How We Protect Personal Data
Trust begins with privacy. We take your child's data security seriously with industry-leading protections.
Never Sells Data
Your child's data is never sold or shared with third parties
Encrypted Storage
All transcripts are protected with AES-256 encryption
Deletion Rights
Parents and teens can request transcript deletion at any time
Limited Access
Only vetted engineers access data for system performance and safety audits
Parental Oversight & Consent
Patch is designed for users age 6 and older. Your teen can use the service without verified parental consent under U.S. law. However, we encourage parent-child discussion about Patch's purpose, boundaries, and goals.
What Patch Can Help With
- Study tips, routines, and organization
- Handling peer pressure and friendships
- Building self-confidence and motivation
- Understanding emotions like stress and frustration
- Getting organized for school activities
- Building stronger focus for neurodiverse learners
Patch encourages growth, not dependence — and nudges users to practice skills in real life, not just in the chat.
Have Questions or Concerns?
We're here for you. Reach out anytime to review data, report concerns, request deletions, or suggest new features.
Email Support
Get detailed answers to your questions
parents@patchwork-foundation.org
Need Help?
Review data, report issues, or request transcript deletion
Final Thoughts
You care about your child's safety — and so do we.
We created Patch to empower, support, and uplift kids — not to replace parenting, school, or therapy, but to complement it with consistent mentorship that helps children navigate life's everyday challenges.
If you ever have doubts, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out. We're here to listen and help.