{
  "id": 1665433,
  "title": "Indian-origin teen built anti-cyberbullying platform at 13, now runs nonprofit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/indian-origin-teen-built-anti-cyberbullying-platform-at-13-now-runs",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-18T07:22:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/in-2013-indian-origin-teenager-trisha-prabhu-developed-a-platform-that-detected-offensive-messages-before-posting-in-2026-she-runs-a-non-profit-that-prevents-cyberbullying-and-received-a-grant-from-prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-foundation/articleshow/133314518.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At the tender age of 13, Trisha Prabhu developed a groundbreaking mobile application called ReThink, which aimed to combat cyberbullying. The inspiration for her invention stemmed from personal experience and the tragic story of Rebecca Sedwick, a student who took her own life after enduring relentless online harassment. Prabhu realized the urgency of the issue, particularly as most existing prevention methods relied on victims taking action to block attackers or report incidents to adults.\n\nReThink functions as a keyboard installed on a phone, which identifies potentially offensive phrases and prompts the user to reconsider before sending the message. The app does not automatically block the message or strip the user of their final decision, but rather interrupts the automatic gesture for a few moments, offering an immediate opportunity to avoid regret. The outcome of the initial experiment showed that over 93% of young people stopped sending offensive messages when prompted to reconsider.\n\nSince its inception, ReThink has garnered significant recognition and support, amassing over 500,000 downloads and working with more than 1,500 schools in 134 countries. Prabhu's efforts have been acknowledged by high-profile figures, including an invitation to the White House, a TED Talk in India, and a $100,000 funding award from Shark Tank investors. In 2020, she received the Elevate prize, a $300,000 award to support ReThink, making her one of ten winners out of 1,300 applicants who use their organizations to promote positive social change.\n\nTrisha Prabhu continues to lead ReThink as its Inventor, founder, and CEO, serving as the Founder, President & CEO of the organization since her graduation from high school in 2018. She has since earned degrees from Harvard University, Yale Law School, the University of Oxford, and Stanford University Graduate School of Business. In 2023, Prabhu launched ReThink Citizens, a non-profit movement aimed at tackling cyberbullying, promoting digital wellness, and empowering youth to build a kinder, more inclusive internet. The organization received a $50,000 grant from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation through the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund, with the couple also publicly supporting the cause.",
  "summary": "Trisha Prabhu created ReThink, a mobile keyboard preventing cyberbullying by prompting users to reconsider offensive messages. This initiative grew into a global non-profit organization supporting millions of students worldwide. Prabhu's work earned her significant recognition and substantial funding for her impactful efforts. She continues to lead ReThink Citizens, promoting digital wellness and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}