As I was researching information on the mobile web and its future influence on apps I came across this article.
The FBI has just officially released a mobile app that can help report a missing child. Child ID allows a parent or caretaker to quickly share pictures and information about the missing child in order to more efficiently physically identify a child without wasting time. The app also includes a checklist for what to do within the first few hours that a child goes missing as well as some proactive messaging promoting preventative tips for child safety.
Although the app is in its infancy it sounds useful, timely, and relevant to people’s everyday lives. My hope is that the FBI can creatively expand the app and continue to update it to include more features. Here are some ideas:
- Real case studies proving how specific methods and reaction times can help locate a missing child
- Statistics covering times, locations, or events that children are more likely to go missing
- Weekly safety tips/safety shares
- Easy navigation for quickly updating a child’s profile
- FAQ sheet about laws surrounding the issue
Unfortunately, the only downside to this new app is that the FBI is not storing any of the information entered in the app. Why not? That doesn’t make sense – or am I missing something?
As I read the article and now as I reflect on this new app, it seems a bit morbid to complete a profile on your child in anticipation that this horrific event may happen – or is it? Can you never be too prepared? Thoughts?
Lastly, I wonder how we can capitalize on the popularity of apps in order prevent or better react to other emergency type situations. Would people be more likely to assist a homeless person if there was an app for it? First the app could identify your location – you could then input identification/descriptions for the homeless person – or maybe the app helps you locate a nearby shelter or food bank (including hours of operation and capacity), and so on. The potential seems endless.
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