Social Kung Fu teams with Devika for AI anti-bullying app

Social Kung Fu has announced a partnership with Devika to develop an AI-powered mobile app aimed at tackling verbal and online bullying.

Social Kung Fu, an Australian program focused on equipping young individuals with communication and resilience skills, is collaborating with technology specialists Devika to create what is described as the first closed AI-driven anti-bullying app. The app is being developed for use in educational contexts and aims to enhance students' mental well-being, emotional intelligence, and communication skills.

The partnership is seen as a major advancement for Social Kung Fu, which has recently received seed funding to boost the development of this educational tool. The app seeks to provide a real-time interface for addressing bullying and related social challenges while providing practical solutions for students.

Matt Purcell, Founder of Social Kung Fu, outlined the strategic benefits of the collaboration. "Creating meaningful, lasting change in youth resilience requires more than just theoretical knowledge—it has to be dynamic, engaging, and rooted in real-world applicability," he stated. Purcell further commented on the partnership's potential, saying, "By partnering with Devika, we are gaining a technological edge, and working together, we are creating an entirely new kind of anti-bullying training experience—one that's both immersive and evidence-based."

Devika's history of working with major industry players such as Intel and Coachella reinforces its capability to bring cutting-edge technology into the project. The company's expertise in AI and immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality is expected to complement the mission of Social Kung Fu.

The app will offer scenario-based exercises and personalised learning paths, providing an interactive platform for students and educators. It is designed to build life skills such as emotional regulation and conflict resolution, making it a valuable complement to existing school programs.

Ken Kencevski, Managing Director of Devika, expressed enthusiasm for the project. "We are excited to bring our technology & AI expertise to a project that has such immense potential to change the lives of young people," he said. He added, "The application of AI in mental health and well-being is an area we're excited to explore further, and this collaboration with Matt and the SKF team strongly aligns with Devika's values to continue pushing boundaries to positively affect people & the planet."

The app will integrate real-life scenarios with gamified learning paths, aiming to improve users' resilience, self-regulation, and communication abilities. Additionally, it is designed to meet high standards of accessibility and effectiveness, providing a resource for schools and communities as well as individual students and parents.

As Social Kung Fu collaborates with Devika, the endeavour marks a significant development in the use of AI for addressing social issues while aiming to foster the emotional well-being of the younger generation.