Nowadays, technology is not limited only to phones, laptops, or smartwatches; it is also being used for people's safety. In this context, Bohlalale Mphalele, a 16-year-old student from South Africa, developed a device in 2020 that could prove very useful in times of crisis. She created a prototype of a smart earring that looks like a normal earring but can silently serve as a means to seek help in times of danger.
This smart earring was designed keeping in mind the situation where someone is harassing you or when a sudden situation arises where taking out a phone is difficult. This device has a small button that can be pressed when needed, eliminating the need to take out a phone and call someone.
When the button is pressed, the device is designed to activate a security alert. It can use a camera to take a picture of the attacker. Additionally, it incorporates the concept of GPS-like technology, which can help locate the user's position.
The most important feature of this device is that it is designed so that the user does not have to make much commotion in a difficult time. Often, taking out a phone or making a call in a dangerous situation can increase the risk itself. In such a scenario, sending a signal for help through an earring already worn in the ear presents a different idea, as the person facing the situation does not immediately realize that the user has alerted for help.
Bohlalale developed this project keeping in mind violence against women and children. Her objective was to create technology that could assist a person trapped in a difficult situation to receive prompt help. This project was also displayed at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in South Africa, where it received a bronze medal in the engineering-electronics and embedded systems category.
Currently, this device is in the prototype stage and can be further developed. However, presenting such an idea at the age of 16 is remarkable in itself. It can be imagined that if such technologies become integrated into everyday objects in the future, even small accessories like earrings could become your silent guardian when needed.