Parent & Educator Guide
Z-Girl: Hero Coach is a gentle reflection and encouragement tool for youth. This page helps adults understand how to use the app safely, what to expect, and how to support young people after a session.
Interested in trying Z-Girl in a structured, safety-first way? Explore the optional 30-day pilot designed for schools and youth programs.
What Z-Girl Is (and Is Not)
- Is: a kid-friendly coach that helps youth name feelings, de-stress, and choose one small “hero move.”
- Is: a conversation starter that can support SEL, journaling, mentoring, and youth programs.
- Is not: a therapist, counselor, doctor, lawyer, or crisis hotline.
- Is not: a substitute for adult supervision, professional care, or emergency help.
Recommended Ages
Z-Girl is designed primarily for ages 10–16. Younger children can still benefit, but we recommend using the app with a parent/caregiver nearby to help them process emotions and put “hero moves” into practice.
What the Safety Banners Mean
Sometimes the app may show a short “safety check-in” banner (for example, amber or rose). This happens when a message could involve safety risk. It’s designed to keep responses calm and careful and to encourage reaching out to trusted adults.
Z-Girl may also offer a “Why did Z-Girl say this?” link for transparency.
Best Ways to Use Z-Girl with Youth
- Try the app yourself first to understand tone, boundaries, and “hero moves.”
- Invite youth to share one takeaway and one hero move they want to try.
- Keep it low-pressure: “You don’t have to tell me everything. I’m here if you want support.”
- Encourage follow-through: help them do the hero move (breathing, a short plan, a check-in with a teacher, journaling, etc.).
- For classrooms/programs: pair with SEL prompts, journaling, or small-group reflection.
Helpful Follow-Up Questions (Adult Script)
- “What’s one thing Z-Girl said that felt helpful?”
- “What feeling did you notice most today?”
- “What’s your one small hero move for the next hour?”
- “Would you like me to help you do that hero move?”
- “Do you want help talking to a teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult?”
Privacy & Device Notes
This early version does not use accounts. Chat history is stored locally in the browser so the user can revisit past chats and saved “Hero Moments.”
- Clearing chat inside the app removes the visible conversation from that device.
- Clearing browser data or using private/incognito mode may remove stored conversations.
- If you share a device, consider clearing chat after use or using a separate profile.
When to Escalate (Adult Safety Checklist)
If a young person mentions self-harm, suicide, abuse, assault, or being unsafe, treat it as serious. Consider these steps:
- Stay calm and present: “I’m here with you. You’re not in trouble.”
- Ensure immediate safety. If urgent in the U.S., call 911 (or your local emergency number).
- Contact appropriate supports (school counselor, clinician, crisis line, or local services).
- Don’t rely on the app for crisis support. Use the app only as a supplement to real-world help.