What does any self-respecting young geek do when he’s banned from Facebook by his parents for the second time?
He creates his own social network.
Zachary Marks was 11 when his dad banned him from Facebook for a second time last year. The second eldest of six children, Zach borrowed $2,500 from his older brother, Luke, and created a ‘safe’ social networking site for his friends and siblings to use.
His parents were so impressed with what he had done that the whole family helped get the word out about his site, GromSocial.
"After seeing Zach interacting on Facebook, with older kids and adults that were using language unsuitable for any child, I wanted to take control of the situation and eliminate my children's exposure to unprotected social platforms,” Zach’s dad says.
“We were amazed by what Zach put together so we began contacting schools in the area and passed out material promoting the GromSocial network and getting about 500 members overnight.
"Parental approval is an integral part of the site and is required before a child can begin experiencing the many wonders of the site.
Zach has built an environment that not only gives parents continued control but encourages safety and allows kids to be themselves.”
Darren say anti-bullying, anti-drug and anti-smoking sections are also included as well as educational videos in the tutorial section for grades 1-10.
There are also places where kids can comment on current events and of course games and entertainment.
“We encouraged Zach to create a safe and secure place that benefits kids' lives and we are hearing back from parents that it is doing just that," concluded Marks.
GromSocial originally grew organically from the family’s contacts, but it now has a Chairman and CEO from outside the family to help it develop further.
Today, there are over 25,000 plus visitors to the site daily coming from China, India, Indonesia, Australia, Russia, Europe and the US.
Visitors are quickly converted into ‘Gromers’ a term coined on the site by Australian kids after a few short visits.
Zach says a ‘Gromer’ is "a promising young kid, who is quick to learn".
In Sydney on Wednesday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard is launching a new Cyber Safety Education program for schoolchildren. We'll update with further information when available.
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