safemind-draft1

SafeMind

Youth Guardrails for Artificially Intelligent Spaces

🌐 View Project Website

Overview

SafeMind is a comprehensive safety monitoring application designed to detect harmful language and unsafe conversational patterns in AI interactions involving youth (ages 17 and younger). The system provides real-time analysis of conversations to identify:

• Self-harm and suicidal ideation
• Violence and threats
• Hate speech (racism, sexism, etc.)
• Sexual content
• Mental health concerns
• Bullying and harassment

When concerning patterns are detected, SafeMind alerts parents/guardians and provides access to mental health resources and crisis intervention services.

Key Features

• Multi-Layer Detection: Combines Perspective API, OpenAI Moderation API, and custom ML models
• Real-Time Monitoring: Analyzes conversations as they happen
• Risk Scoring: Intelligent algorithm assigns risk levels (low/medium/high/critical)
• Pattern Recognition: Detects escalation and concerning trends over time
• Alert System: Notifies trusted contacts when intervention may be needed
• Crisis Resources: Integrates with mental health hotlines and support services
• Privacy-Focused: Encryption, anonymization, and COPPA compliance

Documentation

• GETTING_STARTED.md - Complete setup guide from zero to deployment
• TECHNICAL_RECOMMENDATIONS.md - Detailed stack recommendations, APIs, and architecture
• PROJECT_STRUCTURE.md - Recommended project layout and database schema

Example Code

The /examples directory contains working implementations:

• perspective-api-example.ts - Google Perspective API integration
• openai-moderation-example.ts - OpenAI Moderation API integration
• combined-content-analyzer.ts - Multi-API analyzer with risk scoring

Quick Start

1. Get API Keys (Free)

• Perspective API: https://developers.perspectiveapi.com/s/
• OpenAI API: https://platform.openai.com/signup

2. Clone and Setup

git clone <repository-url>
cd safemind-draft1
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env with your API keys

3. Choose Your Stack

Option A: Node.js/TypeScript (Recommended for beginners)

npm install -g pnpm
pnpm install

Option B: Python/FastAPI (Best for ML/data science)

python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install -r requirements.txt

4. Read the Guide

Follow the complete setup instructions in GETTING_STARTED.md

Technology Stack (Recommended)

Free Tools & APIs

Component	Tool	Free Tier
Content Detection	Perspective API	1 req/sec unlimited
Moderation	OpenAI Moderation API	Free with API key
ML Models	HuggingFace	Limited free tier
Frontend	Next.js on Vercel	Generous free tier
Backend	Node.js/Express on Railway	$5/month credit
Database	Supabase PostgreSQL	500MB free
Email	SendGrid	100/day free
SMS	Twilio	Trial credits

Tech Stack

• Frontend: Next.js 14, React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS
• Backend: Node.js, Express, TypeScript
• Database: PostgreSQL (via Supabase)
• APIs: Perspective, OpenAI, HuggingFace
• Deployment: Vercel (frontend), Railway (backend)

Crisis Resources

The /config directory contains:

• crisis-resources.json - Comprehensive list of crisis hotlines, mental health resources, and emergency protocols

Immediate Help

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 or https://988lifeline.org
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): 1-866-488-7386

Safety & Privacy

• COPPA Compliant: Designed for parental consent and youth protection
• Encryption: All sensitive data encrypted at rest and in transit
• Anonymization: User identifiers hashed for privacy
• Transparency: Clear disclosure of monitoring to users
• Professional Standards: Follows mental health best practices

Development Roadmap

Phase 1: MVP (2-4 weeks)

• ✅ API integrations
• ✅ Risk scoring algorithm
• Alert notifications
• Basic dashboard

Phase 2: Enhanced Detection (4-6 weeks)

• Pattern analysis
• Sentiment tracking
• Custom ML models
• Mental health keyword expansion

Phase 3: User Experience (4-6 weeks)

• Parent dashboard
• Resource library
• Analytics
• Reporting system

Phase 4: Advanced Features (6-8 weeks)

• Multi-language support
• Platform integrations
• Predictive modeling
• Custom model training

Contributing

This is a safety-focused project. Contributions should:

1. Prioritize youth safety and privacy
2. Follow mental health best practices
3. Maintain COPPA compliance
4. Include proper testing
5. Document all changes

Legal & Ethical Considerations

• Consult with mental health professionals for detection criteria
• Work with legal counsel on privacy compliance
• Partner with youth organizations for testing
• Maintain transparency with users and families
• Follow crisis intervention protocols
• Regular audits of detection accuracy

License

[Specify license here]

Disclaimer

SafeMind is a monitoring and alert system, not a replacement for professional mental health services. Always consult qualified mental health professionals for assessment and treatment. In case of emergency, contact 911 or your local emergency services.

Resources

• Perspective API: https://perspectiveapi.com
• OpenAI Moderation: https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/moderation
• HuggingFace: https://huggingface.co
• Supabase: https://supabase.com
• COPPA Guidelines: https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa

Contact

For questions about implementation, safety protocols, or partnerships, please create an issue or contact the development team.

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Building safer AI spaces for youth, one conversation at a time.