Stop. Think. Reflect: One Mum’s Mission to Disrupt Cyberbullying

Written By Rocelyn Fandino

Kids are often just one message away from harm, one mum decided to do something about it.

In this powerful episode of Conversations and Connections, Kerryn Powell sits down with Maggie Ciobanu, founder of the anti-cyberbullying app Yoochooz, to share the inspiring journey from personal heartbreak to purpose-driven innovation.

💔 After her daughter became a victim of online bullying, Maggie didn’t just respond—she created a solution. Yoochooz is a real-time digital tool designed to gently intervene before harmful messages are sent, helping teens pause, reflect, and choose kindness.

Maggie Ciobanu, a mother of three and passionate entrepreneur, speaks with Kerryn Powell about the real-life experiences that led her to create Yoochooz, a proactive mobile app that helps prevent cyberbullying before it happens.

After witnessing her daughter become the target of online abuse and later hearing a young girl express suicidal thoughts due to bullying, Maggie knew something had to change. Yoochooz was born from that urgency—a tech tool built with empathy, designed to interrupt harmful digital behavior, educate kids in the moment, and reopen the lines of communication between parents and children.


Influence change through courage to create a positive impact

Kerryn and Maggie’s conversation explores:

  • The trauma of unfiltered group chats and digital abuse

  • How Yoochooz uses a keyboard overlay and real-time alerts to prompt kinder choices

  • The critical role of parenting and conversation in digital resilience

  • Maggie’s candid journey through innovation, funding, and being a mission-driven founder

  • The emotional moment her son used the app to defend his sister—and came to her firs

  • The bigger vision: connecting parents, raising digital citizens, and saving lives

Key Learnings / Takeaways:

  • Cyberbullying is preventable—if we teach kids to reflect before they post.

  • Yoochooz empowers kids with a simple question: “Are you sure you want to send this?”

  • Parental involvement is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be invasive.

  • Real tech solutions are those that open communication, not just block content.

  • Education, empathy, and early intervention are key to raising kind, responsible digital citizens.

  • Every message matters—what we model, what we ignore, and what we correct.

  • It’s not just tech—it’s transformation.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who believes in tech for good, this episode is a must-listen.






Stay in touch with Maggie!


Want to connect or start having better conversations?

💬 Stay in touch or Contact our host Kerryn Powell to learn how Kerryn works with individuals, teams and groups who want to connect and create impact through better conversations

Rocelyn Fandino
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