Rosie hits Purple patch with efforts to limit ‘doomscrolling’

AISHLING MONAGHAN

Rosie Maguire, a Transition Year student from Eureka Secondary School, Kells, won first prize in the Senior Category at the Meath County Student Enterprise Awards, held on 3rd March. Her business ‘The Purple Bó’ impressed judges with its innovative approach to tackling the growing issue of excessive social media scrolling.

Rosie explained that her business idea was inspired by increasing concerns about the long-term impact that constant scrolling, often referred to as ‘infinite scrolling’, may have on brain function and wellbeing. She developed a paid Android app designed to help reduce these negative effects.

The app is the first product under her brand ‘The Purple Bó’ which she hopes to grow into a wider business promoting innovative, creative and slightly eccentric thinking. The name is inspired by the Purple Cow business principle, which emphasises the importance of standing out and being different.

“I wanted to create something that would help people become more aware of how much time they spend endlessly scrolling on social media,” Rosie Maguire.

“Scrollbuster is designed to gently interrupt that habit and encourage short moments of thinking, relaxation and creativity. I hope it can help people develop healthier digital habits while still enjoying their favourite apps.”

Her product, Scrollbuster, works by appearing as a floating window over social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. At periodic intervals, the app interrupts scrolling for 20 seconds, encouraging users to take a short break from continuous content consumption. During these brief interruptions, users are presented with engaging activities such as brainteasers, cognitive games and relaxing music, all selected for their ability to stimulate the brain while also supporting wellbeing.

Rosie’s app Scrollbuster is set to launch on the Google Play Store in the coming days, where it will be available to download for €1.

JUNIOR CATEGORY WINNERS

Socket Shield is a 3D-printed protective socket designed to replace temporary fixes like masking tape when covering electrical outlets.

The cover fits securely over the socket face, creating a durable barrier that prevents direct contact with live electrical components. Unlike masking tape, which can peel off, degrade, or leave gaps, the rigid printed design stays firmly in place and maintains consistent insulation.

By blocking accidental touches, debris, or conductive objects from entering the outlet, the cover helps to eliminate the risk of electric shocks and potential electrical fires. Its custom-fit design also allows for easy installation and removal when needed, making it a safer and more reliable option for protecting unused or exposed sockets.

The 1st year students involved are in the process of finalising their patent application and will be patent pending in the next few weeks.

INTERMEDIATE CATEGORY WINNERS

Smart Shovel is an innovative gardening shovel with built-in depth markings that makes planting shrubs and vegetables easier and more precise.

Along the blade, clearly engraved measurement lines allow gardeners to plant at the exact depth required, helping ensure proper germination and growth. The shovel also features a unique QR code printed on the handle; when scanned with a phone, it links to a helpful guide explaining the optimum planting depths for shallow, medium and deep rooting.

This combination of physical measurement markings and digital guidance not only improves planting accuracy but also educates gardeners about the specific needs of crops like potatoes, broccoli and cabbage, making the tool both practical and informative.

A patent to protect the innovative design is currently being filed with the Intellectual Property Office.

Teacher Gareth McMahon said “As their teacher, I am delighted and proud to see our students win both the Junior and Intermediate categories at the county final of the Student Enterprise Awards.

“Watching them develop their ideas from simple concepts into real businesses has been an incredible journey.

“Along the way, they built strong STEM skills as they designed, tested, and improved their products, while also learning the importance of critical thinking in solving problems and making smart business decisions.

“Seeing their confidence grow, their teamwork strengthen, and their creativity shine has been truly inspiring and they will be fantastic ambassadors for our school when they represent Meath in the National Final in Mullingar on the 7th May.”

Other award winners included:

Best Pitch

Junior – Loréne Earrings

Intermediate – Smart Shovel

Senior – The Purple Bó

Best Display

Junior – Petit Treats

Intermediate – Brogana

Senior – Lulu

Sustainability Award

Junior – Willow Works of Art

Intermediate – Plant Pal

Senior – Grip It

Innovation Award

Junior – Socket Shield Innovation

Intermediate – Smart Shovel

Senior – The Witches Covenant

Third Place

Junior – Band & Co

Intermediate – Lock & Level

Senior – Aine’s Cute Crochet

Second Place

Junior – Mini Makers

Intermediate – Blossom & Bloom Wreaths

Senior – Quick Tap

First Place

Junior – Socket Shield Innovation

Intermediate – Smart Shovel

Senior – The Purple Bó

Additional awards included:

Social Media Award – Aine’s Cute Crochet

Intellectual Property Award – The Purple Bó