In a move that emphasises the growing intersection of technology and parenting today, acclaimed actor R Madhavan has joined Parent Geenee , a US-based parental control app , as a strategic investor and stakeholder. The collaboration comes at a time when digital addiction among children is reaching alarming levels, and parents are increasingly seeking solutions to manage screen time effectively.

Partnership with a Purpose
Madhavan’s involvement in Parent Geenee is not just an endorsement, but it is a strategic alignment with his advocacy for education and responsible technology use . At the app’s global B2C launch recently in Chennai, Madhavan highlighted the challenges modern parents face in steering the digital landscape of today.

“As a parent in the digital age, I know first-hand how challenging it is to balance screen time and online safety for our children. But childhood should be about real experiences, not just screens. Parent Geenee is a game-changer – it's Safe Zones’ feature gives parents the control they need while helping kids develop responsible digital habits,” said R Madhavan, Strategic partner & Stakeholder.

Madhavan’s role extends beyond mere investment as he will also actively contribute to the app’s strategic direction, leveraging his influence to drive awareness and adoption among Indian parents as it is a vision that he believes in.

Parent Geenee: Digitally Parenting
Founded in 2024 by serial entrepreneur Sasi Naga and tech innovator Hari Gadiraju, Parent Geenee is designed to address the limitations of traditional parental control apps. Unlike time-based restrictions, Parent Geenee introduces location-specific digital boundaries, allowing parents to customize screen time based on where their child is—whether at home, school or even specific rooms within the house.

Key features of the app include:
• Location-Based App Restrictions : Parents can set custom Safe Zones where apps are automatically restricted.
• Chill Zones: With an optional Bluetooth Beacon, parents can create chill zones within otherwise restricted areas.
• The Wish Feature: Children can request temporary access to restricted apps, teaching them digital discipline while giving parents the final say.
• Real-Time Location Tracking: Parents receive instant notifications when their child arrives at school, deviates from a pre-approved route, or leaves a designated Safe Zone.
• Effortless Setup: A one-step QR code linking process allows parents to manage multiple devices under a single account.

The app operates on a two-tier subscription model—Free and Premium—with the Premium version offering expanded capabilities such as connecting up to four child devices, setting up six safe zones, and approving unlimited app requests.

India: A Strategic Market for Global Expansion
India has been chosen as the pilot market for Parent Geenee’s global B2C launch because of its young and rapidly digitizing population. The country’s growing middle class, increasing smartphone penetration, and rising concerns over screen addiction among children make it an ideal testing ground for the app.

“India is at the cusp of a tectonic digital shift,” said Sasi Naga, Founder and Chairman of Parent Geenee. “The initial response for Parent Geenee has been overwhelming, and we are committed to investing multi-million dollars in local marketing, support, and sales operations to capture this very crucial market here.”
Parent Geenee’s India operations, based in Chennai, will serve as a wholly owned subsidiary. The app is already available on iOS and Android in India, the US, and the UK.

Beyond Parents: A Solution for Schools
Parent Geenee also offers a dedicated school version designed to empower educators. Instead of confiscating student devices, teachers and administrators can use a specialized Schools Dashboard to limit app access seamlessly. This allows students to stay connected for learning while minimizing distractions, creating a more focused and productive school environment.

“Parenting in the digital age isn't about restricting technology—it's about guiding children to use it responsibly,” said Hari Gadiraju, Founder & CEO of Parent Geenee. “With Parent Geenee, we're looking to empower parents and children about forging healthy digital boundaries. At its core, the app springs from our strong commitment to building a movement towards responsible, collaborative digital parenting and moving the focus away from monitoring.”

The launch of Parent Geenee comes at a critical time when concerns over digital addiction are reaching alarming levels. According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry (2023), 33% of adolescents are addicted to their devices, with boys slightly more likely to be affected than girls. Excessive screen time has been linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and poor sleep, as well as physical health problems like obesity and musculoskeletal discomfort.

A New Era of Digital Parenting
Madhavan’s strategic partnership with Parent Geenee highlights the growing demand for advanced solutions in the digital parenting space. As the app gains traction in India and other markets, it has the potential to redefine how families and schools manage screen time, creating a healthier and more balanced digital environment for children.